Skip to main content

How to Pronounce affect vs effect

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Affect’ is typically a verb meaning to influence (⁄əˈfɛkt⁄), while ‘effect’ is usually a noun meaning the result (⁄ɪˈfɛkt⁄).

Contrast: Initial vowel: ⁄ə⁄ vs ⁄ɪ⁄

affect

⁄əˈfɛkt⁄

Syllables

af·FECT

Definition:

To influence or alter.

“The experience affected me deeply.”

effect

⁄ɪˈfɛkt⁄

Syllables

ef·FECT

Definition:

The result or outcome of a cause.

“The effect of the hurricane was a devastated landscape.”

Watch Native Video Clips & Ear Training

80 total video examples
Listen separately:

Frequently Asked Questions: affect vs effect

What is the difference in pronunciation between "affect" and "effect"?

‘Affect’ is typically a verb meaning to influence (⁄əˈfɛkt⁄), while ‘effect’ is usually a noun meaning the result (⁄ɪˈfɛkt⁄).

Where does the syllable stress fall in "affect" vs "effect"?

"affect" has 2 syllable(s) (af · fect) with stress on "FECT". "effect" has 2 syllable(s) (ef · fect) with stress on "FECT".

Why do English learners often confuse "affect" and "effect"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Initial vowel: ⁄ə⁄ vs ⁄ɪ⁄. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "affect" and "effect"?

Example for "affect": "The experience affected me deeply." Example for "effect": "The effect of the hurricane was a devastated landscape."