Science, Technology and Engineering

Academic Language and Learning

Use of 'affect' and 'effect'

Some of the confusion lies in the fact that both words have noun and verb forms.

As nouns

“affect” as a noun - is virtually only used by psychologists, and refers to a feeling or an emotion

“effect” as a noun - means the “outcome” or “result”

The heavy rain had the effect of water-logging the soils.

So (unless you're a psychologist) when you need a noun (the effect, an effect) use effect.

As verbs

“to affect” - as a verb - means to influence.

The football team was affected by the weather.

(You will use this verb frequently)

“to effect” - as a verb - means “to bring about”, or “to carry out”

In order to effect the perfect growing conditions she had to set up a controlled atmosphere for the plants.

He effected his escape by jumping through a window.

(You will probably not use this verb very often)