In this sentence, “the movie” made my friend sad, thus my friend’s “sad affect.”Ī simpler way of phrasing could be: The movie made my friend sad, which concerned me. This usage isn’t common and can be confusing even when used correctly.Įxample of “affect” as a noun: I noticed my friend’s sad affect after the movie and was concerned. When using “affect” as a noun, it’s to describe an emotion or a feeling. Of course, it wouldn’t be the English language if there weren’t times when “affect” is a noun and “effect” is a verb. In most cases, this is how you determine when to use affect vs effect. Remember, “affect” is a verb and “effect” is a noun. The simple memory trick to keep this straight is R-A-V-E-N. In this sentence, “a failing grade” is the result of “missing school,” so the correct term is “effect.” A Helpful Acronym for When to Use Affect vs Effect You use this word when you want to demonstrate the result of an impact or change.Įxample of “effect” in a sentence: The effect of missing school was a failing grade. In this sentence, “missing school” has an impact on on the noun “grades,” so the correct term is “affect.”Įffect is a noun (usually). Use this word when you want to impact or change a noun (person, place, or thing).Įxample of “affect” in a sentence: Missing school could negatively affect your grades. Affect vs Effect Examples and DefinitionĪffect is a verb (usually). Let’s briefly look at not only the specific definition of these words, but also affect vs effect examples, as well as a helpful acronym to keep the proper usage top of mind. So knowing the meaning of words and using them in the correct, precise way could make all the difference to your readers. Words can change a heart, convince a mind, and even alter the course of history. When we string together individual ideas, presenting them in a beautiful, coherent thought, we help readers understand the world around them. Choosing the right words helps you communicate clearly and ensures your readers understand your meaning without having to work for it.Īs a writer, you know the power of your words.

You may be wondering why the effect versus affect usage even really matters, since most people can work out what you’re saying even if you use “effect” when the correct word is “affect.” Here’s why: words matter. It’s a common query and the two words are very easy to confuse, even for seasoned writers. Let’s talk about when to use affect versus effect.

It has an effect on me