1. Diction: Affect and Effect
Writing Lab
Diction: Affect and Effect

2. Affect
In ordinary usage, the word “affect” is used as a verb meaning “to influence,” “to alter,” “to change,” or “to pretend to have or feel.”
Drinking alcohol can affect your body’s response time.

3. Effect
The word “effect” is used as a noun meaning “result” or “consequence.” The word “effect” is also used in formal English as a verb meaning “to bring about” or “to make happen.”
The effects of the hurricane were visible the next morning when the sun rose.

4. Examples: The noise affects my concentration.
I refused to let her grouchiness affect me.
His speech had a positive effect on the audience,
His threats had no effect on the people upstairs.
The organization has effected a remarkable change in its protégés.
The President has effected a new tax program.

5. That’s all, folks!
This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series
Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon
To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson