Close in meaning and spelling, affect and effect might be the most commonly confused in all of English! Let’s look at the difference:
To AFFECT (verb) means to influence or to cause a change:
- Norman’s injury didn’t affect his desire to compete.
- I don’t feel so good. Something is affecting my stomach
- The families were deeply affected when they visited the memorial.
An EFFECT (noun) is the change that results.
- The injury had no effect on Norman’s performance.
- The medicine I’m taking is working to good effect.
- Leaving the memorial had a restorative effect on the family.