affect/effect
As a verb, affect means “to influence.” Effect as a verb means “to cause.” If you want a noun, you will almost always want effect.
- Did Circe’s wine affect Odysseus’ mind? It did effect a change in Odysseus’ men. In fact, it had an effect on everyone else who drank it.
Extra Examples:
- I didn't think about how it might affect you if I got hurt out there.
- It wasn't possible that it could affect their life together.
- Poverty can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender or social background.
- The resin does not affect the unbroken skin.
- The decision will not affect the validity of the remaining contract provisions.
- The changes had an immediate effect.
- Its effect was immediate.
- The overall effect was surprising.
- Still, that wasn't the only lingering side effect of her weekend with Brandon.
- Her statement had a surprising effect on Dean.