Affect
There are two main things to remember about the word affect in order to distinguish it from the word effect when writing in the English language. The two main points are listed below along with relevant examples.
Affect is Almost Always Used as a Verb
- 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
In a Very Rare Case, Affect Can Be Used as a Noun
- 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:
- Since his mother died, Jessie has displayed a depressed affect.
- Carmen is studying affective behaviors in traumatized animals.