Effect or Affect?

The two words “effect” and “affect” are confusing to many native English speakers. When spoken quickly, the words sound so similar that it can be difficult to discern which of the two the speaker is using.

“Affect” means to influence or to create a mental impression. Spanish synonyms include afectar, influir en, conmover. Here are some examples of its use.

- In the spring, the pollen from the trees affects my allergies. (Influences)
- The amount of sleep that I get affects how I feel in the morning. (Influences)
- The child’s crying affected me deeply. (Created a mental impression)

Notice that in each instance where we used “affect” we were stating that something influenced something else or that something created a feeling, or a mental impression.

“Effect” can be a noun or a verb. As a verb, it means to produce, to bring about, or to cause. Spanish synonyms include efectuar and llevar a cabo. Here are some example of its usage as a verb.

- During his term as president he was able to effect many beneficial changes.
- He effected the force needed to move the organization forward.

“Effect,” used as a verb, is not very common in English, and can sound funny even when properly used. I personally would advise somebody that is just learning English to avoid using it as a verb. There are plenty of other words that are more commonly used that mean the same thing.

“Effect” when used as a noun means something that is produced, a result, a consequence, or a mental or emotional impression. It is used very frequently in English and the Spanish speaker should have no fear of using it. Spanish synonyms include efecto and impresión. Here are some examples of its use as a noun.

- The cut on his hand was the effect of getting it caught in the door. (Result)
- The boss’s sarcasm had a devastating effect on the worker. (Emotional impression)
- Hotter summers is one of the effects of global warming. (Consequence)

“Affect” can be used as a noun, but it is very rare, and is principally used in medicine or psychiatry. The person new to English can assume that he or she will never have occasion to use “affect” as a noun. “Affect,” when used as a verb, can also mean to feign or pretend (fingir in Spanish), but that is also a less common usage.