Affected vs. Effected: Learn the Difference!

Last updated on September 21, 2024 by Liam Daniel

One of the most common pairs of confusing words in English is affected vs. effected. This reference explores the main differences between these two words. It includes the definitions, usage examples, and tips to remember the differences. You will also find example sentences demonstrating the correct use of “affected” and “effected,” along with sentences that use both words.

Affected vs. Effected: The Main Difference

Quick Tips:

  • Use “affected” when something has been influenced or changed.
  • Use “effected” when something has been caused or brought into existence.
Affected vs. Effected
Affected vs. Effected – Created by 7ESL

Affected vs. Effected: Definition, Usage

Affected:

  • Meaning: The past tense of the verb “affect,” which means to influence or have an impact on something.
  • Use: Refers to something being influenced, changed, or impacted.
  • Examples:
    • “The weather affected our travel plans.”
    • “Her speech deeply affected the audience.”
  • Explanation: “Affected” is used when something has been influenced or changed in some way.

Effected:

  • Meaning: The past tense of the verb “effect,” which means to bring about or cause something to happen.
  • Use: Refers to causing a change or making something happen.
  • Examples:
    • “The new manager effected significant changes in the company.”
    • “The policy effected a positive shift in public opinion.”
  • Explanation: “Effected” is used when talking about causing or bringing about a result or change.

Key Differences:

  • Affected = Something was influenced or changed.
  • Effected = Something was caused or brought about.

Affected vs. Effected: Common Mistakes

Using “effected” when “affected” is correct:

  • Incorrect: “The delay effected our schedule.”
  • Correct: “The delay affected our schedule.”
  • Explanation: “Affected” is correct because the schedule was impacted, not caused.

Using “affected” when “effected” is correct:

  • Incorrect: “The new policy affected many changes.”
  • Correct: “The new policy effected many changes.”
  • Explanation: “Effected” is correct because the policy brought about the changes.

Effected and Affected in Example Sentences

Examples of “Affected” in Sentences

  • The harsh weather affected the crops, leading to a lower yield this year.
  • His mood was visibly affected by the news of the company’s downsizing.
  • The new law affected how public funds are allocated to schools.
  • The students’ performance was affected by the lack of resources in the classroom.
  • Her decision was deeply affected by her family’s opinions.

Examples of “Effected” in Sentences

  • The new CEO effected major changes within the company’s structure.
  • She effected a complete overhaul of the department’s strategy.
  • The policy was finally effected after months of deliberation.
  • The diplomat effected a new treaty that would ensure peace between the two nations.
  • With determination, he effected a transformation in his lifestyle to improve his health.

Examples of Sentences that Use Both “Affected” and “Effected”

  • The changes she effected in the workflow positively affected the team’s productivity.
  • The manager effected new policies that affected all employees equally.
  • The government effected tax reforms that affected the economy significantly.
  • The new manager effected a series of changes that affected the company’s remote work policies.
  • The director effected a new approach to the production that significantly affected the final outcome of the play.

Affected vs. Effected: Practice and Exercise

Fill in the blank 

Fill in the blanks with either “affective” or “effective” to correctly complete the sentences.

  1. The new policies __________ a change in the way the company operates.
  2. Her mood was __________ by the gloomy weather throughout the week.
  3. The manager __________ several improvements in the customer service department.
  4. The storm __________ the coastal regions more severely than anticipated.
  5. The change in leadership __________ positive outcomes for the team’s performance.
  6. The charity event __________ a great deal of awareness for the cause.
  7. His decision was __________ by his concern for the environment.
  8. The new law __________ changes in the healthcare system.
  9. The players’ performance was __________ by the extreme heat during the game.
  10. The negotiations successfully __________ a resolution to the dispute.

Answer with Explanation 

  1. Answer: effected
    • Explanation: “Effected” means to bring about; the policies caused a change.
  2. Answer: affected
    • Explanation: “Affected” refers to being influenced; the weather influenced her mood.
  3. Answer: effected
    • Explanation: “Effected” implies implementation; the manager implemented improvements.
  4. Answer: affected
    • Explanation: “Affected” denotes impact; the storm had an impact on the regions.
  5. Answer: effected
    • Explanation: “Effected” indicates causation; the leadership change caused positive outcomes.
  6. Answer: effected
    • Explanation: “Effected” suggests initiation; the event initiated awareness.
  7. Answer: affected
    • Explanation: “Affected” means influenced; his concern influenced his decision.
  8. Answer: effected
    • Explanation: “Effected” means to execute; the law executed changes.
  9. Answer: affected
    • Explanation: “Affected” implies alteration; the heat altered the players’ performance.
  10. Answer: effected
    • Explanation: “Effected” conveys accomplishment; the negotiations accomplished a resolution.

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