In most cases, affect is a verb that describes the action in a sentence. One of the biggest reasons that these two terms can get confused is their similar usage. Let’s learn how each can be used in these contexts. Effect can also be used as a transitive verb and a noun. Affect can be used as a verb, transitive verb and in some cases a noun. However, each word has three Webster Dictionary definitions.

The affect then causes an effect, which is an emotional response or resulting situation from the verb. An affect is something that is enacted upon a person, thing or circumstance. In general, the word affect is used as a verb and effect is used as a noun. While there are many ways to confuse these two, it’s just as easy to do a little research and solidify the difference in your brain from here forward! Let’s take a closer look at affect vs effect and to try to clear up any confusion about the two words. Clear as mud, right? The reality is, while each word has a distinct meaning they are close enough in function that it’s no surprise they get confused in our daily speech so much. In other words, you can affect something, but the effect is what happens as a result of that. “Affect” is a verb meaning to influence or produce a change in something, while “effect” is a noun meaning the result of an action. Affect and effect are two words that are often used interchangeably, but there is actually a big difference between the two.

You have that effect or affect on me