Name:
Grammar Practice
Assigned:___ Due:___
Affect Versus Effect
The primary definition of ‘affect’
The primary use of ‘affect’ in the English language is as a verb. It means ‘to produce an effect.’
In other words, ‘to affect’ is synonymous with ‘to influence.’
The primary definition of ‘effect’
The primary use of ‘effect’ is as a noun. It means a result or consequence. If you have a cause, it
produces an ‘effect.’
How to use ‘affect’
Use ‘affect’ as a verb when you want to describe the way one item influences another.
INCORRECT: The loose rocks on the nature trail produced the affect of tripping the blond
runner. (Here, ‘affect’ is incorrect. In this context, the noun ‘effect’ is the correct choice).
CORRECT: The loose rocks on the nature trail affect the blond runner’s stride by tripping up his
feet. (Here, ‘affect’ functions correctly as a verb.)
How to use ‘effect’
Use ‘effect’ as a noun when you want to discuss the consequence or result of some action.
INCORRECT: When the blond man runs by in ridiculous short shorts, he effects those around
him by making them laugh. (Here, ‘affects’ is the appropriate word because this context calls
for the verb.)
CORRECT: The blond runner’s skimpy outfit produced a hilarious effect and his neighbors burst
out in laughter at his appearance. (‘Effect’ is correct here because the context requires the
noun.)
Why the difference between ‘affect’ and ‘effect’ matters
It is important to keep the difference between ‘effect’ and ‘affect’ straight because this is a very
common error and it can make your writing look unprofessional. It is simple to correct if you
take the time to THINK about the difference in these words. To remind yourself that ‘affect’ is
the verb, associate ‘affect’ with another word that starts with the same letter: ‘action.’ Also,
remember that ‘cause and effect’ refers to a pair of nouns.
Name:
Grammar Practice
Assigned:___ Due:___
Affect vs. Effect Practice
Category: Common Mistakes
Use this Affect vs. Effect worksheet to check your usage of these similar sounding words
(homophones). Tackle exercises that help you avoid common mistakes by providing context to
master the different meaning for each word.
Instructions
For each of the following exercises, select (circle, highlight, etc.) the word from inside the
parentheses that completes the sentence correctly.
1. “The (affect/effect) of the contamination is not currently unknown,” as reported by
Amon.
2. Your opinion on the matter does not (affect/effect) the final outcome.
3. Your opinion has no (affect/effect) on the final outcome.
4. The separation scene at the end of the movie had a profound (affect/effect) on Erin.
5. Any time you are starting a new medication, it is a good idea to ask your doctor how it is
likely to (affect/effect) you, as many medications can have serious side (affects/effects).
6. All the presidential candidates claim a desire to (affect/effect) the way things are done
in Washington.
7. The economic downturn (affected/effected) many middle- and low-income Americans,
but the (effects/affects) also have a global reach.
8. While Mrs. Tolonen discusses the consequences of cheating with every class, her lecture
appears to have no (affect/effect) on the students who she suspects of cheating.
9. Alex stated, “The steps taken in the process (affect/effect) how things turn out, so it is
important to follow the required steps closely to have the right (affect/effect).”
10. People all across the Renton area were (affected/effected) by the recent major storms;
however, the lasting (affects/effects) of the widespread destruction is not yet known.