Struggling with "affect" and "effect"? You're not alone! These two words are notorious for tripping people up, but understanding their basic roles can make all the difference.
Think of **affect** primarily as a *verb*. It means "to influence" or "to have an impact on." For example: "The rain affected her mood." or "The policy will affect many employees."
**Effect**, on the other hand, is typically a *noun*. It refers to the result or consequence of something. For example: "The effect of the rain was widespread flooding." or "What will be the effect of the new law?".
While 'effect' can *sometimes* be a verb (meaning 'to bring about'), it's less common. A handy trick? When in doubt, try swapping the word with "influence" (for affect) or "result" (for effect). If it fits, you've got the right one! Master this simple distinction, and you'll be writing with confidence in no time.
