affect vs. effect

Linguistic Reminder

(This reminder is available in English only.)

Problem

Because affect and effect sound somewhat alike, many people confuse and misuse them.

Solution

When the meaning of either of these words is likely to be misinterpreted by your readers, consider choosing a less ambiguous synonym.

Here are the most common meanings for affect and effect.

USE AFFECT IF YOU MEAN	USE EFFECT IF YOU MEAN
to influence to feign; to simulate to move; to touch to pretend to hinder; to hurt	to bring about to carry out an impact an impression an outcome; a result

Examples

The sentences below show you how to use affect and effect.

AFFECT	EFFECT
Winning the award greatly affected (influenced) Jessie.	Jessie became involved in her community and effected (brought about) many changes.
Jonas affects (feigns; simulates) a British accent when recounting his travels abroad.	We need the support of all stakeholders before we can effect (carry out) health care reform.
The Smiths were deeply affected (moved; touched) by the loss of their pet cockatoo.	The Supreme Court ruling will have a lasting effect (impact) on official languages services.
Jackie affected (pretended) to despise science fiction, yet she was avidly reading all of Isaac Asimov's Robot novels.	The artist stood back to take in the overall effect (impression) of his painting.
How does low literacy affect (hinder; hurt) the health of Canadians?	The committee members hoped the measures would produce a positive effect (outcome; result).

Linguistic Recommendation reference number

REM-4/2008-02

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