Affect Versus Effect

Speaking of change, what’s the difference between affect and effect?

• Affect, as a verb, means to influence. Affect, as a noun, is best avoided. It occasionally is used in psychology to describe an emotion, but there is no need for it in everyday language.
  • Example: The game will affect the standings.
• Effect, as a verb, means to cause: He will effect many changes in the company. Effect, as a noun, means result.
  • Example: The effect was overwhelming. He miscalculated the effect of his actions. It was a law of little effect.

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