Quick Answer
Affect is almost always a verb meaning “to influence.” Effect is almost always a noun meaning “a result.” If you can replace the word with “influence,” use affect. If you can replace it with “a result,” use effect.
Mixing these two up is one of the most common errors in English writing — and one of the easiest to fix once you know the trick.
On This Page
What Does Affect Mean?
Affect is a verb. It means to influence, change, or have an impact on something.
- The rain affected our travel plans.
- Loud noise can affect your ability to concentrate.
- Her feedback affected how I approached the verbs in this sentence.
What Does Effect Mean?
Effect is a noun. It names the result of a cause.
- The rain had a big effect on our travel plans.
- Loud noise can have a negative effect on concentration.
- Her feedback had a lasting effect on my approach.
The Easy Trick to Remember
Use this memory trick: RAVEN — Remember: Affect = Verb, Effect = Noun
Or try the substitution test: can you swap in “influence”? Use affect. Can you swap in “result”? Use effect.
Affect vs. Effect at a Glance
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affect | Verb (almost always) | To influence or change something | Stress can affect your sleep. |
| Effect | Noun (almost always) | A result or outcome | Stress has an effect on sleep. |
Exceptions to the Rule
- Effect as a verb: means “to bring about.” Usually formal or legal writing: “The new manager plans to effect change quickly.”
- Affect as a noun: used in psychology to describe an observable emotional state: “The patient displayed a flat affect.”
Common Mistakes
- Writing “the affects of climate change” instead of “the effects of climate change.”
- Writing “it will effect my decision” instead of “it will affect my decision.”
- Assuming the rule has no exceptions and getting thrown off by “effect change” in professional writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it “affect” or “effect” on your life?
It’s usually effect: “the effect on your life” (a noun). Use affect only for the verb: “How will this affect your life?”
Can “effect” ever be a verb?
Yes, but rarely. “To effect” means “to bring about,” as in “effect change.”
Can “affect” ever be a noun?
Yes, but only in psychology, referring to an observable emotional expression.
Quick Reference
- Affect: verb, means “to influence”
- Effect: noun, means “a result”
- Trick: substitute “influence” (affect) or “result” (effect)
- Exception: “effect” as a verb means “to bring about”; “affect” as a noun is a psychology term
Quick Practice
Three quick questions. See what stuck.
1. “The medication had a positive ___ on his recovery.”
2. “Loud music can ___ your concentration.”
3. “The side ___ of the drug were mild.”