Effect vs. Affect
Effect and affect are homophones, words that are pronounced the same but differ in meaning. Let's take a look at their differences.
Effect
(noun):
1. a change that somebody/something causes in somebody/something else; a result.
2. The power to cause influence
3. The state of being functional
4. A desired impression
(verb):
5. To bring about or make happen
Example Sentences with Explanation:
1. An effect (noun) is a result.
Here is an example: "Staying out in the cold had the effect of turning the children's hands purple.
Explanation: Purple hands are the result (effect) of cold weather.
2. An effect (noun) is an act that influences.
Here is an example: "The child's whining had no effect on its mother."
Explanation: The child's whining could not influence or budge the parent to change her mind.
3. An effect (noun) can mean the state of begin functional.
Here is an example: "The school put a new rule in effect-no cell phone use during school hours."
Explanation: No cell phone use is an active school rule.
4. An effect (noun) is a desired impression.
Here is an example: "The principal's black suit and glasses were for effect only."
Explanation: The principal's appearance gives the desired effect of authority. He is really a friendly man.
5. Effect (verb) means to cause or make happen.
Here is an example: "The citizen's letter to the mayor effected change in the town's trash removal service."
Explanation: When a person expresses his/her opinion in a meaningful way, a change is likely to occur.
Affect
(verb):
1. to produce a change in somebody/something.
2. to make somebody have strong feelings of sadness, pity, etc.
(noun):
3. to pretend to be feeling or thinking something.
Example Sentences with Explanation:
1. Affect(verb) means to act on or cause change.
Here is an example: "The sudden change to cold weather affected the quality of the vegetable garden."
Explanation: Unexpected cold weather made it difficult for new seeds to grow well. Cold weather affected the quality of the vegetables.
2. Affect (verb) means to impress upon a person's emotions.
Here is an example: "The opera affected audience members deeply."
Explanation: The artistic singing caused audience members to feel touched emotionally.
3. An affect(noun) is a feeling or emotion.
Here is an example: "An apathetic person has an even or unchanged affect."
Explanation: A person without much feeling or emotion is often called apathetic.
** Let's use both effect and affect together in a sentence to illustrate their different meanings:
An effect of optimistic thinking is the ability to effect positive affect in others.