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As verbs, effect means to bring about, or to have the result that, while affect means to have an impact on or to change something.

  • The new manager effected changes in the department.
  • The weather will affect the number of people walking today.

As nouns, effect means the impact something causes, while affect means the outward appearance of someone's psychological state.

  • What effect did the loss have on the team?
  • The woman took the bad news with little affect.

About the Writing Style Guide

This guide is designed to help ensure writing style – whether for internal or external audiences, written for print or online – is consistent and maintains a professional standard across the University. It is not designed for academic writing.

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Please send any feedback – including reports of errors or requests for changes – to writing.style@otago.ac.nz

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