affects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "affects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the influence or impact that one thing has on another. Example: "The new policy significantly affects employee morale and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Co-counsel for Brown, Ann Kirby, said: "This case is a tragedy which has profoundly affected not only the lives of the people involved, but which profoundly affects our system of justice in North Carolina.

The Guardian

Internet trolling might seem like an issue that only affects a certain subset of people, but that's only true if you believe that living in a world devoid of diverse voices – public discourse shaped primarily by white, heterosexual, able-bodied men – wouldn't profoundly affect your life.

The Guardian

The advert, across pages 2 and 3, was headlined "one thing affects everything" above an image of dominoes – with the first, ready to fall, branded "European Union".

The Guardian

It most commonly affects women aged over 50, but can occur in women of all ages.

The Guardian

This uncertainty and the stress it causes affects our ability to offer quality care.

The Guardian

I don't think I can describe how Cuban percussion affects me in words but it's a feeling, deep in my solar plexus".

The Guardian - Music

"Sometimes you work on a show you know you want to be commercial … it affects a lot of your decisions in the wrong way.

The Guardian

"Denying them a say, on an issue which affects them so directly, is unfair, undemocratic and unjustifiable".

The Guardian

Individuals can chose not to eat GM, after all, but if it is grown in the UK that affects everyone, opponents and supporters alike.

The Guardian

The Department for Communities confirmed that it had not formally assessed the policy's impact, even though its own figures show it affects cash payments to councils towards affordable housing totalling £1.9bn across England last year.

The Guardian

Over time, forcing the body to stay awake also affects blood pressure and levels of inflammation, resulting in an increased susceptibility to heart disease and cancer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "affects", ensure that the subject causing the effect is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the policy affects employee morale" instead of just "morale is affected."

Common error

A common mistake is to confuse "affects" (a verb meaning to influence) with "effects" (usually a noun referring to results). Remember: the action affects something, leading to end results or effects.

Linguistic Context

The word "affects" functions primarily as a transitive verb, indicating that something has an influence on something else. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English. It requires a subject that performs the action and an object that receives the action, such as in the example, "The decision affects everyone."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Opinion

12%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Sport

1%

Business

1%

Politics

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "affects" is a versatile verb used to describe the influence or impact that something has on something else. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. It's crucial to differentiate it from "effects" to maintain grammatical accuracy. With its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, understanding its proper usage will significantly enhance writing clarity. Remember to clearly identify the subject causing the effect to avoid ambiguity. By following these guidelines, you can confidently use "affects" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impacts

This word suggests a strong and often immediate effect, similar to "affects" but with a more forceful connotation.

influences

This term indicates a more subtle or indirect impact compared to "affects".

impacts upon

This phrase means that something has a big influence or effect on something else.

changes

Suggests a transformation or modification, emphasizing the difference before and after the effect.

alters

This implies a change or modification as a result of the influence, focusing on the transformation.

modifies

Implies a specific alteration or adjustment, often used in technical contexts.

shapes

Indicates a formative influence, suggesting that something is being molded or directed.

determines

Implies a decisive influence, where the outcome is directly controlled by the factor in question.

bears on

This phrase means to have relevance to or influence upon something, often in a less direct manner.

bears upon

This expression indicates a connection or relevance, suggesting that something has a bearing on the matter.

FAQs

How is "affects" correctly used in a sentence?

Use "affects" as a verb to indicate that something influences or produces a change in something else. For example, "The weather "affects" my mood" shows the weather's influence on mood.

What can I say instead of "affects"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "influences", "impacts", or "changes". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "affects" or "effects"?

"Affects" is a verb, meaning to influence. "Effects" is usually a noun, referring to the result of an influence. For example, the policy "affects" morale, leading to negative "effects".

What's the difference between "affects" and "impacts"?

Both "affects" and "impacts" can indicate influence, but "impacts" often implies a stronger, more immediate effect. "Affects" is a more general term for any kind of influence.