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Commonly Confused Words 🤔 Affect & Effect❗
منذ ٥ أعوامWe're back with more commonly confused words! Affect and effect are probably two of the most consistently misused words in the English language; but understandably so! They are extremely similar and teeth-gnashingly difficult even for a highly competent native English speaker. Let's jump in and discuss how we can use them properly!
First up - affect! Affect is technically a noun and a verb, but is traditionally seen as a verb that means, “to influence/change/alter.”
- This loss will affect our reputation.
- The disagreement negatively affected their friendship.
- Is your new interest in yoga positively affecting you yet?
The official AP Stylebook recommends affect to be only be used as a verb - its use as a noun is VERY rare, so don't even worry about it!
Next up - effect! Effect is also both a noun and a verb, but is traditionally used as a noun to mean "outcome/result/end-state."
- The effect of the election on local politics was incredible.
- The medicine's effect was immediate.
- The special effects distracted from the rest of the movie.
Effect can also be used as a special, slightly rare verb to mean “to make happen/catalyze/produce/cause.”
- I effected many changes during my time in leadership at the organization. (effect meaning - caused)
- Tax cut advocates in the United States hope to effect economic growth. (effect meaning - catalyze/cause)
So how do you remember which one to use? Easy - determine your usage! If you want a noun, use effect. If you want a verb, use affect.
Tell me in the comments what commonly confused words you'd like to see next!
