Download Diction: Affect and Effect

Diction:
Affect and Effect
From the UWF Writing Lab’s 101
Grammar Mini-Lessons Series
Mini-Lesson #51
Affect
• In ordinary usage, the word affect is used as a verb
meaning “to influence,” “to alter,” “to change,” or
“to pretend to have or feel.”
▫ Drinking alcohol can affect your body’s response
time.
Effect
• The word effect is used as a noun meaning
“result” or “consequence.” The word effect is also
used in formal English as a verb meaning “to
bring about” or “to make happen.”
▫ The effects of the hurricane were visible the
next morning when the sun rose.
Examples:
• The noise affects my concentration.
• I refused to let her grouchiness affect me.
More examples:
• His speech had a positive effect on the audience,
• His threats had no effect on the people upstairs.
• The organization has effected a remarkable
change in its protégés.
• The President has effected a new tax program.