Despite the fact that one of these words is a noun and the other is a verb, many people confuse the two. To avoid making this mistake in your writing you will simply have to learn which is which. Luckily, this is fairly straightforward.
The word ‘effect’ is a noun and means ‘consequence’ or ‘result’. It can be used in a sentence like this, ‘The effects of sun damage are long lasting’.
‘Effects’ plural can also sometimes mean personal items or goods, as in ‘I will gather my effects and then we can go’. You should be able to discern the correct meaning from the context.
The word ‘affect’ is a verb, meaning ‘to change, alter or influence’. Put simply, to affect something is to cause an effect. It describes something which is literally changed, as in ‘new strings on a violin affect the quality of the tone produced’.
It can also be used to describe a profound emotional impression made upon someone, as in ‘He was deeply affected by what he saw’.
Be aware that the word ‘affected’ can also have a pejorative sense when used as an adjective. Calling someone ‘affected’, without following immediately with what they are or were affected by, means that they have adopted affectations, or fake mannerisms. ‘She’s affected’ is an insult!
The word ‘effect’ is a noun and means ‘consequence’ or ‘result’. It can be used in a sentence like this, ‘The effects of sun damage are long lasting’.
‘Effects’ plural can also sometimes mean personal items or goods, as in ‘I will gather my effects and then we can go’. You should be able to discern the correct meaning from the context.
The word ‘affect’ is a verb, meaning ‘to change, alter or influence’. Put simply, to affect something is to cause an effect. It describes something which is literally changed, as in ‘new strings on a violin affect the quality of the tone produced’.
It can also be used to describe a profound emotional impression made upon someone, as in ‘He was deeply affected by what he saw’.
Be aware that the word ‘affected’ can also have a pejorative sense when used as an adjective. Calling someone ‘affected’, without following immediately with what they are or were affected by, means that they have adopted affectations, or fake mannerisms. ‘She’s affected’ is an insult!