affect
to influence or produce a change in something.
The sentence uses “influence” in context.
effect
a change or result caused by an action or event.
The sentence uses “result” in context.
What Is the Difference?
The words overlap, but they are not interchangeable in every sentence. Compare each definition and choose the word whose nuance matches your intended meaning.
Quick Choice
- Choose affect when you mean: to influence or produce a change in something.
- Choose effect when you mean: a change or result caused by an action or event.