The words affect and effect are often confused. Affect is a verb. It means ‘cause a change in something’ or ‘influence’.

The cold weather affected my health.

War affected oil prices.

Injuries affected his performance.

Effect is usually a noun. It means result or change. The expression ‘have an effect on’ has a similar meaning to ‘affect’.

The cold weather had a bad effect on my health.

Exercise

Complete the following sentences using affect or effect.

1. The bad weather ………………………………………. my travel arrangements.

2. Her presence had a positive ……………………………………….. on his mind.

3. The war seriously ………………………………………….. oil prices.

4. The war had a serious ………………………………………… on oil prices.

5. His illness did not …………………………………………… his performance.

6. Age ……………………………………. his memory.

7. His speech produced no …………………………………….. on the audience.

Answers

1. The bad weather affected my travel arrangements.

2. Her presence had a positive effect on his mind.

3. The war seriously affected oil prices.

4. The war had a serious effect on oil prices.

5. His illness did not affect his performance.

6. Age affected his memory.

7. His speech produced no effect on the audience.