How to Know the Difference Between "Affect" and "Effect"
Understand the meaning of the word “affect”., Be aware of what part of speech “affect” is., Try using “affect” in a sentence., Understand that “affect” can sometimes be used as a noun.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Understand the meaning of the word “affect”.
“Affect” means to make a change in something.
Another way of looking at is it influences objects or things.
It comes from a Latin word meaning “acted upon.” -
Step 2: Be aware of what part of speech “affect” is.
Most of the time, “affect” is used as a verb.
A verb is the action in a sentence.
The subject (a noun or pronoun) does the action.
So someone or something (the noun) is affecting (the verb) something else. , Consider something that changes or influences something else.
You could talk about rain changing water levels or a well-written novel moving someone.
Sentences that properly use the word “affect” and address these topics include: “The heavy rain affected the water levels in the local lake.” “The tense, detailed writing affected him, moving him to tears.” , When “affect” is used as a noun, it generally describes a person’s facial expressions.
Examples include: ”The murderer took the news of the jury’s decision with little affect.” -
Step 3: Try using “affect” in a sentence.
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Step 4: Understand that “affect” can sometimes be used as a noun.
Detailed Guide
“Affect” means to make a change in something.
Another way of looking at is it influences objects or things.
It comes from a Latin word meaning “acted upon.”
Most of the time, “affect” is used as a verb.
A verb is the action in a sentence.
The subject (a noun or pronoun) does the action.
So someone or something (the noun) is affecting (the verb) something else. , Consider something that changes or influences something else.
You could talk about rain changing water levels or a well-written novel moving someone.
Sentences that properly use the word “affect” and address these topics include: “The heavy rain affected the water levels in the local lake.” “The tense, detailed writing affected him, moving him to tears.” , When “affect” is used as a noun, it generally describes a person’s facial expressions.
Examples include: ”The murderer took the news of the jury’s decision with little affect.”
About the Author
William Fisher
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