When to Use "Take Effect" vs. "Take Affect"? Learn the Difference
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The English language has its fair share of tricky phrases and confusing words — but few are more challenging than telling the difference between "affect" and "effect."
These two words — similar in spelling, pronunciation, and use — often confuse even native English speakers. For those learning English as a foreign language, they can seem nearly impossible to tell apart at first.
This article will guide you through the words "affect" and "effect," whether to use phrases like "take effect" or "take affect" (clue: only one is correct), and the simplest way to remember which is which.
Take Effect or Take Affect? Tricky Confusing Words
When learning a new language, tricky words can really knock your confidence. Whenever you encounter a confusing phrase or a difficult word, it’s best to return to basics and build from there.
With that in mind, before we discuss whether "take effect" or "take affect" is correct, let’s first break down the meaning of each word individually and look at some examples of how to use them properly.
What Does "Effect" Mean
It is most often used as a noun (although it can occasionally be used as a verb).
As a noun, it’s defined as “the result or consequence of a particular influence.”
Examples:
- The new policy had a positive effect on morale.
- Regular exercise has a protective effect against heart disease.
- His speech had a powerful effect on the audience.
As a verb, it’s defined as "to cause something to happen" or to "bring about." It is used as a verb much less frequently than as a noun and tends to be used in a formal context.
Examples:
- The new manager hopes to effect significant changes in the workplace.
- The peace treaty helped effect a permanent end to the conflict.
- The therapy was designed to effect a complete recovery.
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What Does "Affect" Mean
It’s almost always used as a verb (on rare occasions, it can be used as a noun).
As a verb, it means "to influence something" or "to change something."
Examples:
- Poor nutrition can affect your immune system.
- The weather can strongly affect your mood.
- Stress may affect your ability to concentrate.
It has other, less common, meanings as a verb, for example, "to pretend to feel" or “to put on a false appearance.”
As a noun, it refers to an emotional state or response. It’s most often used in psychology.
Examples:
- The patient displayed a flat affect during the interview.
- Trauma can sometimes result in a blunted affect, where feelings are diminished.
How to Spot the Difference Between "Effect" and "Affect"
If you’re still feeling confused between the two, don’t worry. This table will help you to spot the differences between "effect" and "affect" and understand when to use each.
| Feature | Affect | Effect |
| Part of speech | Usually a verb | Usually a noun |
| Meaning (verb) | To influence, to change (a psychological term) | To bring about, to cause (rare, formal) |
| Meaning (noun) | Emotional display (in psychology) | The result or outcome of something |
| Synonyms (words it can be replaced with) | influence, change, alter | result, outcome, consequence |
| Example (verb) | The weather affects my mood | She hopes to effect change |
| Example (noun) | The patient had a flat affect | The medication had a positive effect |
| Preceding words (can go in front of) | will, can, may, might (as a verb) | an, the, this, that, any, into, on, take, or (as a noun) |
| Memory trick | Affect = Action (verb) | Effect = End result (noun) |
| Formality | Used in everyday English, common as a verb, rarely used as a noun | Common as a noun, formal and infrequent as a verb |
| Common phrases | affect your health, affect behaviour | take effect, side effects, effect change |
Take Effect vs. Take Affect
Now that we’ve explored the meanings and uses of "effect" and "affect," let’s look at "take effect" vs. "take affect." So, which one is correct? Fortunately, the answer is straightforward; only one of them is correct: “Take effect.”
"Take effect" means to begin working or producing results. The phrase "take affect" is incorrect because "affect" is a verb, and you can’t place "take" in front of a verb.
Examples:
- The new law will take effect next month.
- The medication takes effect within 30 minutes.
- I can feel it taking effect.
RAVEN Mnemonic to Remember Effect vs. Affect
A mnemonic {nə-MON-ik} is a handy little linguistic trick that helps us to remember complicated words and information more easily.
To help you remember the difference between "effect" and "affect," we can use the mnemonic RAVEN:
R = Remember
A = Affect is a
V = Verb
E = Effect is a
N= Noun
How to Choose: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this step-by-step guide to help you choose between "affect" and "effect" correctly every time.
1. Identify the role
- An action or influence? → affect (verb)
- A result or consequence? → effect (noun)
2. Check the verb
- If it is changing or influencing something → affects
The weather affects my mood.
- If it means bringing about → effect
He wants to effect a change.
3. Swap synonyms
- If it can be swapped with influence or change → affect
- If it can be swapped with result or outcome → effect
4. Look at the word in front
- Preceded by the, an, this, that → effect (noun)
- Preceded by can, may, might, will → affect (verb)
5. Consider formality
- Affect as a verb is used in formal, neutral, and informal English.
- Effect as a verb (meaning "to bring about") is used formally and infrequently.
- Effect as a noun is standard in all contexts.
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Conclusion
Understanding the difference between "take effect" and "take affect" might seem tricky at first, but with a little practice (and some handy memory hacks), you’ll soon use them like a pro.
Keep these tips in mind, stay curious about language, and don’t be afraid to double-check when in doubt.
FAQ
What does "take effect" mean?
"Take effect" is a phrase that uses the noun "effect." It means to "start working" or "to begin producing the intended result." It’s often confused with "take affect," but that phrase is incorrect.
How to use "take effect"?
If you want to say that something is going to start working or produce its intended result, you can use the phrase “take effect.”
Examples using take effect:
- The new traffic laws will take effect starting next Monday.
- The pain medication began to take effect within minutes.
What is the difference between "effective" and "affective"?
Derived from the nouns "effect" and "affect," these adjectives can cause confusion. However, in nearly all cases, you’ll want to use "effective."
"Effective" is a common, everyday word describing something that achieves the desired result.
Example:
The new treatment is highly effective.
His methods are highly effective.
"Affective" is almost exclusively used in psychology and describes something that is a result of emotions.
Example: The therapist assesses the patient’s affective responses.
How to practice confusing words?
The best way to master confusing words and tricky phrases is to practice — and then practice some more.
Using an online language app or platform with AI tools, fun linguistic games, or interactive quizzes can help you to quickly and efficiently practice confusing words. When learning is enjoyable, effective, and produces results, you’re more likely to stick with it.
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