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affect

verb and noun

Not effect (which is usually a noun, but sometimes a verb). For a discussion of affect vs. effect, read Chapter 8 in the section on Common Grammatical Mistakes. Click here for the beginning of that discussion.

Example: This new law will affect the economy. verb

Example: This new law will have an effect on the economy. noun

Example: The law will effect many changes in the way we do business. verb

Example: His nervous affect betrayed his guilt. noun