Affects or Effects? Which is correct?

Vocabulary / By

“Affects” is the third person singular of the verb to affect. Effects is the plural of the noun “effect”.  

“To affect” is the verb that means to influence or produce a change in something. The effect(s) is the result of this change.

The amount of people involved in the study affects the result.

The effects of climate change can be seen all around us.   

Effect can also be used as a verb. Effect as a verb means “to bring about”.

Affecting or Effecting?

“Affecting” is correct because the -ing form is related to a verb which is “to affect”. “Effecting” is only used when “effect” is used as a verb and therefore is not very common.

I think this new pillow is affecting my sleep.

The plastic bag tax is effecting change and making people bring their own bags.  

Affected or Effected?

Affected is the past simple and past participle of the verb “to affect”.

Effected is the past simple and past participle of the verb “to effect”

The loud noise affected my sleep.

“Affected” is also an adjective that means pretentious or designed to impress. 

The band are affected, everything has been prepared so that they look cool.

Affects or effects the body?

“Affects the body” is correct.

Smoking affects the body in ways we do not know.

Sound affects or effects?

“Sound effects” is correct.

The movie uses sound effects creatively.

Special affects or effects?

“Special effects” is correct.

The movie has amazing special effects. 

Conor
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