Affect vs Effect: The Simple Rule

One Memory Trick That Works Every Time

Quick Answer

Affect = Verb (to influence something). Effect = Noun (the result).

Memory trick: Affect = Action (verb), Effect = End result (noun). Or use RAVEN: Remember Affect = Verb, Effect = Noun.

When to Use "Affect" (Verb)

Affect is almost always a verb meaning "to influence" or "to have an impact on."

  • The cold weather affects my mood. → influences ✓
  • How will this affect the project? → influence ✓
  • She was deeply affected by the news. → influenced ✓
  • Lack of sleep affects your health. → influences ✓
  • The changes will affect everyone. → influence ✓

When to Use "Effect" (Noun)

Effect is almost always a noun meaning "the result" or "outcome."

  • The effect was dramatic. → result ✓
  • What are the side effects? → results ✓
  • The policy had little effect. → impact/result ✓
  • We felt the effects immediately. → consequences ✓
  • Cause and effect. → result ✓

Comparison Chart

Word Definition Trick to Remember Example Sentence
Affect Verb: to influence Affect = Action (verb) "The rain will affect traffic."
Effect Noun: the result Effect = End result (noun) "The effect was immediate."

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

❌ Incorrect:

"The weather will effect our plans."

✓ Correct:

"The weather will affect our plans."

Why? The weather is influencing (action)—use the verb "affect."
❌ Incorrect:

"The affect was immediate."

✓ Correct:

"The effect was immediate."

Why? We're talking about the result (noun)—use "effect."
❌ Incorrect:

"This won't effect the outcome."

✓ Correct:

"This won't affect the outcome."

Why? We need a verb (action of influencing)—use "affect."
❌ Incorrect:

"What's the affect of this change?"

✓ Correct:

"What's the effect of this change?"

Why? We're asking about the result (noun)—use "effect."
❌ Incorrect:

"How did it effect you?"

✓ Correct:

"How did it affect you?"

Why? We're asking how something influenced you (action)—use "affect."

The Exceptions (Rare)

Effect as a verb (to bring about, to cause):

  • "The new CEO will effect major changes." (bring about changes)
  • This is rare and formal. When in doubt, use "bring about" instead.

Affect as a noun (psychology term for emotion):

  • "The patient displayed flat affect." (emotional expression)
  • This is only used in psychology/psychiatry contexts.

For 95%+ of everyday writing, stick to: Affect = verb, Effect = noun.

Quick Tips

💡 The A/E Trick

Affect = Action (verb). Effect = End result (noun).

✅ RAVEN Mnemonic

Remember: Affect = Verb, Effect = Noun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about "affected" and "effected"?

"Affected" (influenced) is much more common: "I was affected by the movie." "Effected" means "brought about": "The manager effected a new policy" (rare, formal).

Is it "side effects" or "side affects"?

"Side effects" is correct. Effects is the noun—the results or consequences of something.

How do I remember this rule?

Use RAVEN: Remember Affect = Verb, Effect = Noun. Or: Affect starts with A for Action.

Can I use "impact" instead?

Yes! "Impact" works as both a noun and verb, so it's a safe alternative if you're unsure: "The weather will impact our plans." "The impact was significant."

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