Exercise has a positive effect on my energy level.

The car accident was an effect of icy roads.

It’s part of the cause-effect relationship. In its noun form, an effect is a result or an outcome. Like affect, effect can take the form of a noun or a verb. The verb affect, specifically when it means to influence or to move someone emotionally, is more commonly used than the noun.

She affected the ballroom gown of a fairy-tale princess.

He affected an accent to try to convince people he was French.

The verb affect carries additional definitions, though they are not used as frequently as the previous definitions.Īffect as a verb can also mean to pretend or put on a phony act, or to wear something.

The sad song may affect you emotionally and make you cry.

The snow accumulation will affect the morning commute.

Studying hard and submitting your work on time will positively affect your GPA.

Affect As a VerbĪffect can also be used as a verb that means to influence, to make a difference to, or to move someone emotionally.

More simply stated, it refers to how a person’s facial expression reveals their feelings.įor example, a person who has just won the lottery will have a positive, joyful affect-with a smile that reaches their eyes.Ī person who is depressed or lonely may have a more unhappy or flat affect, with empty eyes and a downturned mouth. In that form, it refers to the expression or observation of an emotional response.

Affect As a NounĪffect can be used as a noun.

To use any of these words correctly, we need to understand what each of the forms means and does, and their appropriate contexts. They can also be nouns, and this changes their meaning.īefore we look into the past tense uses of the verb forms, we should take a moment to become affect/effect experts.

Affected and Effected are Past Tense VerbsĪffected and effected are the past tense forms of the verbs affect and effect.īut affect and effect aren’t only verbs.

Someone has an effect on you