This week we answer a question from Young-Ho in Korea. He writes,I really want to know the difference between "affect" and "effect."Dear Young-Ho,These are commonly confused words.Although they are spelled differently, they sound - and look - almost the same: affect and effect.But the one-letter difference makes a big difference.Let us start with "effect," E-F-F-E-C-T."Effect" can act as a noun or, in rare cases, a verb.As a noun, "effect" means "a change that results when something happens."For example, The movie had a strong effect on my feelings.The use of internet sales had a good effect on our business.Another form of the word is the adjective "effective."It means "producing a result that is wanted."Medical experts, for example, tell us:Handwashing is very effective in removing germs."Affect," A-F-F-E-C-T, is usually used as a verb."Affect" means "to influence."In other words, affect means to act on or change someone or something.
