Affect vs effect

Categories: affect-vs-effect

Affect

The word affect gets confusing when you read that dictionaries sometimes define it as “having an effect on someone.” Too much confusion! Have a look at the examples below to wrap your mind around the meaning and uses of “affect.”

Verb

Rules

When used as a verb, affect means, “to influence”.
It can also mean, “to act in a way you don’t necessarily feel”.

Examples

“The dirty seats affected John’s new pants.”
“Patty affected a cold attitude when she ran into her ex-boyfriend.”

Noun

Rules

Affect is only used as a noun when referring to scientific jargon used by psychologists. Scientists and psychologists can also use affect as an adjective.
As a noun, affect means, “an emotion”.
As an adjective, affective means, “related to moods, feelings or emotions”.

Examples