‘Affect’ is a verb, ‘effect’ is a noun, mostly

Add comment May 23rd, 2008

Changing “affect” to “effect” or vice versa is one of the most frequent corrections I’ve made in my career as a copy editor. If these two confuse you, try going with the 90 percent strategy. Nine times out of 10, if you need a verb, choose “affect”; if you need a noun, go with “effect.”

To affect is to “influence; produce a change in; move or stir the emotions of.” We’re “affected” by sad stories. We feel “affection” for friends and family.

“Affect” also can express false emotion or pretense. The result is often an “affectation.”

Use the noun “effect” for the result of being affected. Wagner’s music has a powerful “effect” on you. You were wowed by the movie’s “special effects.” Reclaim your “personal effects” on the way out.

It also appears in the phrases “in effect,” “take effect” and “to the effect.” Adjectives are “effective” and “effectual.”

“Effect” as a verb, as in “to effect changes,” is fairly rare. And it ought to be. It’s weak and stuffy. Make changes, don’t effect them.