Sparky: Can you turn down the television? It is too loud. It's effecting my concentration.
Mr.Maru: I think it's affecting your concentration not effecting.
Sparky: Right. It's affecting me.
Mr.Maru: What are you studying?
Sparky: Chemistry. I'm studying the affects of oxygen on metal.
Mr.Maru: I believe it's effects with an 'e'.
Sparky: you are really starting to affect me. That is for sure.
Mr.Maru: Thank you. I think that's a compliment.
When do you use 'affect' and when do you use 'effect'? What are the differences between effect and affect? Let's talk about some examples and some simple rules.  How to use 'effect'
Most of the time, 'effect' is used as a noun. It means 'the result or consequence'. For example, He covered his entire house with Christmas lights. It created an exciting effect.
All his hard work had a good effect on his salary. He kept earning more and more money. You can remember that effect has an 'e' with a simple phrase: The electric lights create an exciting effect.  How to use 'affect'
Most of the time, 'affect' is used as a verb. It means 'to influence, to produce an effect or change'. For example, His cold affected his test score. He couldn't concentrate on the test because of the cold.
The hurricane affected the water level along the beach. There was some flooding. You can remember the difference with this phrase: Great art affects other artists too. Do you think you understand? Let's take a short quiz. 1) The snow storm ________ traffic. A) affected B) effected C) effects 2) Reading a book about English grammar had a great ______ on my life. A) affect B) effect C) effecting 3) Drinking alcohol ______ your driving ability. A) effects B) is effecting C) affects Answers1) - A) affected. Because of the snow storm, traffic was worse. The snow storm changed traffic. 2) - B) effect. We are talking about a result as a noun so we need effect. 3) - C) affects. Drinking alcohol influences the way you drive. Thanks for stopping by. I'd like to thank @FaizaK for this week's topic. Be sure to stop by her website at http://vocabahead.com for help with vocabulary. Teachers, if you have an easy way to remember the difference between affect vs. effect, I would like to know about it. Students, please try to make a sentence with effect or affect. It's good practice! As always, if you have a question or a suggestion please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or reach me on twitter @nealchambers. | 
Teacher Stumpers 
