affect
verb
to influence or change something
“Lack of sleep affects your memory.”
Sound-alikes
affect vs effect
Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence; effect is usually a noun meaning the result.
effect
noun
a result or consequence
“Lack of sleep has a clear effect on memory.”
Try it: which word fits?
Drop each word into the blank. The explanation tells you why one works and the other doesn't.
The new law will ______ small businesses first.
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Questions about affect vs effect
What is the difference between affect and effect?
Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence; effect is usually a noun meaning the result.
How do I remember affect vs effect?
Affect is the Action; Effect is the End result. If you can put "the" or "an" in front of it, you want effect.
Are there exceptions?
Two rarer uses flip the pattern: "effect" as a verb means to bring about ("effect change"), and "affect" as a noun is a psychology term for visible emotion ("a flat affect").
Is there a quick test?
Try "the ___". If "the" fits, it is effect.
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