Affected by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Affected by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something or someone is influenced or impacted by a particular factor or event. Example: "The community was significantly affected by the recent natural disaster, leading to widespread damage and displacement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Everybody's affected by that.

The New York Times - Sports

Joe was affected by it.

The New York Times - Sports

We're all affected by this".

The New York Times

Sports, too, are affected by propaganda.

The New Yorker

"Both will be affected by the shutdown".

The New York Times

"You can't be affected by that.

The New York Times - Sports

"Many were affected by Sandy," he said.

The New York Times

"Everyone of us is affected by criticism.

Independent

For services to People affected by HIV.

Independent

Were you affected by the filing delay?

The New York Times

Who will be affected by the earthquake?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "affected by", ensure that the subject and the influencing factor are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The results were affected", specify "The results were affected by the temperature change".

Common error

A common mistake is using "effect" as a verb instead of "affect". Remember, "affect" is typically a verb meaning to influence, while "effect" is typically a noun meaning a result. To avoid this error, double-check whether you intend to describe an influence or a result. For instance, use "The weather affected the game" (influence), not "The weather effected the game".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "affected by" typically functions as a passive adjectival phrase, describing a subject that has undergone some form of influence or change due to an external factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is widespread across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "affected by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating influence or impact. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's versatile across different registers, appearing in news, scientific literature, and general communication. When using "affected by", ensure clarity by specifying both the subject and the influencing factor. Be mindful of the common error of confusing "affect" with "effect". Consider alternatives like "impacted by" or "influenced by" for variety, and choose the most precise term based on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Impacted by

Focuses more on the direct influence or consequence resulting from something.

Influenced by

Emphasizes the persuasive or guiding effect of something.

Changed by

Highlights the alteration or modification resulting from an event or factor.

Modified by

Similar to "changed by" but often used in more technical or precise contexts.

Determined by

Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship where something is decided or controlled by another factor.

Shaped by

Suggests a formative influence that molds or gives structure to something.

Conditioned by

Implies that something is brought into a specific state or circumstance by another factor.

Governed by

Highlights the regulatory or controlling influence of something.

Subject to

Indicates a state of being under the power or influence of something.

Vulnerable to

Emphasizes susceptibility or openness to negative impacts from something.

FAQs

How do I use "affected by" in a sentence?

Use "affected by" to describe something or someone that has been influenced or impacted by a particular factor. For example, "The community was severely "affected by" the hurricane".

What are some alternatives to "affected by"?

You can use alternatives like "impacted by", "influenced by", or "changed by" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "effected by" instead of "affected by"?

No, "effected by" has a different meaning. "Affected by" means influenced, while "effected by" means brought about or caused. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between ""affected by"" and "vulnerable to"?

"Affected by" indicates a change or influence, while "vulnerable to" indicates susceptibility or openness to being harmed or influenced. They are related but not synonymous.