Is it 'affect' or 'effect'?

Do you get confused between 'affect' or 'effect'? Here's a general guideline.

'Affect' = verb (a doing word)

The verb 'affect' means 'to act on/produce a change in' as in:

- 'The cold weather affected the plants.' 🌿
- 'The cold weather [produced a change] in the plants.' 🌿

It can also mean 'to impress the mind/move the feelings of' as in:

- 'The artwork deeply affected him.' 🎨
- 'The artwork [changed his feelings or thoughts].' 🎨

If you can substitute 'affect' with another verb, you're using the right word:

- 'The cold weather [damaged] the plant.' 🌿
- 'The artwork deeply [moved] him.' 🎨

So, when you're talking about a change or describing an action, use 'affect'.

'Effect' = noun (a thing)

The noun 'effect' means a 'result' or 'consequence':

- 'His sunburn was an effect of exposure to the sun.' 🌞
- 'His sunburn was [a result] of exposure to the sun.' 🌞

'Effect' can follow these words (but 'affect' can't!):

the, any, an, into, on, take, or

Here's a trick to help you remember which version to use: RAVEN

R = Remember
A = Affect is a
V = Verb
E = Effect is a
N = Noun 

Are there any other words you get stuck with? Let me know!

~ Natasha
(Your favourite creative copywriter) ✨