What Is the Difference Between Affect and Effect?
Affect is typically a verb meaning to influence or change something. Effect is the noun relating to the verb affect. When you affect something, the outcome or result is known as the effect.
Affect
Affect is usually a verb. To affect something means to influence or change it. When you affect, you have an effect. (Effect is the noun pertaining to the verb to affect.) Affect can also be a noun, when used in psychological terms i.e. affective states. However, it is unlikely you will encounter the word affect in this context.
e.g. The cold weather is affecting productivity.
e.g. The drop in sterling will affect all holidaymakers.
Effect
Effect can be both a verb and a noun. As a verb it means to bring about, to cause or to accomplish. The noun is the result or outcome of the verb to affect.
e.g. The new prime minister effected a few changes to his cabinet. (verb)
e.g. The cold weather is having an adverse effect on productivity. (noun)
e.g. One effect of the heavy rain was flooding in low lying villages. (noun)
To Take Affect or Take Effect?
The correct expression is to take effect.
e.g. The new train timetable will take effect on 1st January.
In Affect or In Effect?
The correct phrase is in effect. However, this has two meanings. It can mean the period when something is in force, or it can mean in practice.
e.g. The hose pipe ban is now in effect.
e.g. In effect, the changes had a positive impact on the working conditions.
With Immediate Affect or Effect?
The correct expression is with immediate effect. This means something will apply straightway.
e.g. The smoking ban comes into force with immediate effect.
Remember: If you affect something, you have an effect on it. “The pollen affected her hay fever was an unfortunate effect of the hot weather.”
