Affect vs effect

[Zantor]

Which one means what?
I always get the two confused.

[Pamela]

As a verb affect means to have an influence/impact on while effect as a verb it's more formal and means to achieve, produce smth.

[Alan]

Hi Zantor,

Effect is both noun and verb as in: effect is the result/influence and the verb effect means put into action/carry out as in:

The government has pointed out the bad effect certain drugs have on people and has decided to effect new laws to restrict the sale of these drugs.

Affect is usually a verb and suggests influence as in: Some people are easily affected by the weather and tend to be more cheerful when the sun is shining and less happy when it's raining.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story 'the' vs. 'a/an'

[Tung Quoc]

Thanks

[Zantor]

Yes, thanks. That really clears up my confusion!