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affect vs effect

Affect is almost always a verb meaning to influence something. Effect is almost always a noun meaning the result. If you can put 'the' in front of it, you want effect; if it's the action being done, you want affect.

The difference

• affect (verb) — to influence or make a difference to something
• effect (noun) — a result or consequence
• effect (verb (formal)) — to bring about, as in 'effect change'

Examples

• The delay did not affect the outcome.
• The delay had no effect on the outcome.

How to remember

A is for Action (affect = verb); E is for End result (effect = noun).

The common trap

Writing 'the affect' — if there's a 'the', you almost certainly need effect.

These distinctions are exactly what Word Meaning and Contextual Word Choice questions test. Read the Word Meaning guide or Contextual Word Choice guide, then practise the drill.