Check your understanding with these examples. It has proven itself able to impact change. Another hint: since “effect” is a noun, it’s usually preceded by an article-that is, “a,” “an,” or “the.” If something is “effective,” that means it as achieved its desired end. Is there action happening between two things in your sentence? Effect is a noun meaning “the result of an action.”

So if you’re debating whether to use “affect” or “effect,” think A for Action. Remember those dominos falling down? As it’s happening, each domino is affecting the next. In sentence one, “injury” is influencing “performance.” In sentence two, “weather” is influencing “cookout.” In sentence three, “experience” is influencing “style.” Notice that in sentence three, even though “style” comes before “experience,” it is Hemmingway’s “experience” that is influencing “style.” In sentences using “affect,” try spotting the two things that are in action with each other.

“Ernest Hemmingway’s writing style was greatly affected by his experience in World War II.”.

“Do you think the weather will affect our cookout tomorrow?”.

“Michael Jordan didn’t let an injury affect his performance on the basketball court.”.

“Affect” is the verb form of this idea, meaning “To have an impact on.” For example: Affect - A for Actionįirstly, both “affect” and “effect” refer to one thing influencing something else-think of a line of dominos falling down. The role they play in the sentence dictates which is correct.

Unlike other similar words like “rode” and “road” whose meanings are completely different from one another, “affect” and “effect” refer to the same idea. “Affect” and “effect” are two of the easiest words in the English language to mix up.

Have that effect or affect on me