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Affect vs Effect

Definitions​

  • ‘Affect’ (verb) means ‘have an effect on, or make a difference to something’.
  • ‘Effect’ (verb) means ‘cause something to happen’.

What’s the difference between ‘affect’ and ‘effect’?​

‘Affect’ and ‘effect’ are very commonly misused in academic texts due to their similar spellings, but they have different meanings:

  • While ‘affect’ refers to the influence or effect that something (e.g. a given factor) has on something else (e.g. results), ‘effect’ refers to something being brought into existence by someone (most often) or something.
  • ‘Affect’ is frequently used in scientific research, in the context of assessing the influence of factors on a given outcome.
  • Used as a noun, ‘effect’ is also very frequently used in the same context. But as a verb, it is used primarily in the context of implementing policy changes, measures, a new law, etc.

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How they’re used​

Example sentences with ‘affect’

  • Sunlight exposure affects vitamin D production.
  • The report showed that highway construction strongly affected the area.

Example sentences with ‘effect’

  • A duty of the legislature is to effect the will of the citizens.
  • The transfer of a business is effected by the law of the country in which the business is located.