Affect vs. Effect: Action, Reaction, and Regret

Few grammar slip-ups cause more confusion — and more silent judgment — than mixing up affect and effect. One is what you do. The other is what happens after. Screw it up, and the only effect you’ll have is people questioning your high school transcript.

Here’s how to keep your dignity intact.

Affect is usually a verb — it’s the action.

• “Her eye roll will affect your mood.”

• “My whisky intake affects my judgment … and my karaoke song choices.”

Effect is usually a noun — it’s the result.

• “Her eye roll had a chilling effect on the conversation.”

• “The effect of my karaoke is lifelong regret for everyone present.”

Think of it this way:

• Affect = action

• Effect = reaction

• Together = regret

In other words: You act, the world reacts, and somewhere in the middle you realize you should’ve stayed home with Netflix and snacks.

Or, to put it in terms we all understand:

• You affect things when you fuck around.

• You experience the effect when you find out.

Simple. Painful. Memorable.

And now that you’ve got it down, may your emails, essays, and passive-aggressive texts actually land with the desired effect — and not the regrettable kind.