Affected vs. Effected

Main Difference

Affected and Effected are one of the most confusing words in English language, many of the learners use them interchangeably as they have interrelated meaning, quite a similar pronunciation and spellings. Before hurling towards the meaning and usage of both the words, here is the sentence having both the words in it: ‘The dictatorial regime quickly effected changes to the constitution that affected the freedom of the people.’ The word effect in the above sentence refers to ‘cause’ or to ‘bring about’, whereas the word affect in the above sentence refers to the impact or influence of the changes due to the particular effect. It should be kept mentioned that affected and effected are the past forms of the verbs affect and effect. Generally, effect is used as noun and affect is used as verb, although in different situations they both can be used both as noun and verb. Affect means to have an impact, influence or to make a difference, on the other hand, effect as a verb means to bring about or to cause something to happen.

Difference Between Affected and Effected

Comparison Chart

What is Affected?

Affected is the past form of affect, this word can either be used as a verb or even as a noun, but most commonly it is used as a verb which carries several meanings like having influence, impact or making a difference. It is quite interrelated with the word effect as the effect on something makes affect (impact) on many.

Examples of usage of Affect

• The sales were not affected by the sudden change in weather.
• The financial loss affected the whole company.
• Russia and America’s conflict affected dozens of countries worldwide.
• Both buildings were badly affected by the fire.
• Other than this, the word affect also refers to move emotionally or getting upset due to any incident. For instance, ‘John was visibly affected due to sad demise of his mother’.

What is Effected?

Effected is the past form of effect, this word can either be used as a verb or noun, but most commonly it is used a noun. As a noun, effect means change which is a result or consequence of an action, whereas as a verb effect means to bring about or to cause something to happen. When it is used a noun it creates more confusion for the learners to discern between effect and affect.

Examples of usage of Effect

• Exposure to the sun had the effect of toughening his skin.
• Russia and America’s relation have global effect.
• Waking up late night effects our health.
• Cutting down trees have negative effect on the atmosphere.
• Exposure to internet is having some serious effects on young generation.
• Other than this, the word effect as a verb means to bring about or to cause something to happen. For instance, ‘The dictatorial regime quickly effected changes to the constitution’.