Use 'Affect' and 'Effect' Correctly

The words 'affect' and 'effect' are confused by many people, even adults. Do you know which of the following sentences is correct?

'Polly's hay fever affected her performance in the exam.'

'Polly's hay fever effected her performance in the exam.'

The first sentence is the correct one. The word 'affect' is a verb that means to have an effect on. The word 'effect' is a noun that means a result.

'The medication had an instant effect on her headache.'

The word 'effect' can also be used as a verb to mean to cause or bring about an outcome.

For example: 'the criminal effected his escape by vaulting the wall'. However, this usage is quite technical and is mostly found in official reports.

In this activity, you will practise using the words 'affect' and 'effect' correctly.