What is effect? Pronunciation and usage in English

effect means . Learn how to pronounce and use effect through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of effect

effectnoun

/ɪˈfɛkt/
Definition & pronunciation of effect

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "effect" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and correct pronunciation is:

  • /ɪˈfɛkt/ (ee-FAKT)

Let's break that down further:

  • ɪ - Pronounced like the “i” in “bit” or “sit.” A short, quick vowel sound.
  • ˈfɛkt - This is the stressed syllable (the part you emphasize).
    • fɛ - Pronounced like “feh” (similar to the “e” in “bed” but slightly more open).
    • kt - Pronounced like “kt” - a quick, light "k" sound followed by a "t" sound.

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • “E-fekt” (like "effect" with a long "e" sound): This is very common but incorrect. The “e” is short.
  • “Ef-fect” (separate syllables): It’s one word, so it flows together.

Tips for Getting it Right:

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  • Say the word "effect" aloud?
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Usage and examples with the word effect in English

Let's break down how to use the word "effect" in English. It's a tricky one because it’s often confused with “affect.” Here's a detailed explanation with examples:

1. "Effect" as a Noun (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: In most cases, "effect" is a noun that refers to a result or consequence of something. It’s what happens because of something else.
  • Examples:
    • "The effect of the rain was a muddy garden." (The rain caused the mud.)
    • "The medicine had a positive effect on her health." (The medicine produced a positive result.)
    • "What is the effect of climate change?" (What are the consequences of climate change?)
    • "The special effects in the movie were amazing." (These were the visual results created for the film.)

2. "Effect" as a Verb (Less Common, More Formal)

  • Meaning: As a verb, “effect” means to bring about, to cause, or to accomplish. It's a more formal and deliberate action. It implies actively making something happen.
  • Examples:
    • "The new manager effected a complete turnaround in the company’s performance." (The manager caused or brought about a turnaround.)
    • "The government is trying to effect reforms in the education system." (The government is trying to accomplish reforms.)
    • “She effected a compromise between the two parties." (She brought about a compromise.)

Important Note about "Effect" as a Verb: This usage is becoming less common in everyday conversation. Often, "cause" or "bring about" are more natural alternatives.

Key Difference: "Effect" vs. "Affect"

This is the source of most confusion.

  • Affect (verb): Means to influence or to have an impact on something. (Think: Affect = Action – it's something being done to something else.)

    • "The gloomy weather affected my mood." (The weather influenced my mood.)
    • "His words didn't affect her decision." (His words didn't influence her.)

  • Effect (noun): Means a result or consequence.

Here's a table to summarize:

Word Part of Speech Meaning Example
Affect Verb To influence The music affected my emotions.
Effect Noun A result, consequence The effect of the music was calming.
Effect Verb To bring about He effected great change in the company.

Tips for Remembering:

  • Think of “Affect” as an action (a verb). It's something that happens to something else.
  • Think of “Effect” as the outcome (a noun). It's what results from that action.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • Practice with some exercises?
  • Focus on a specific context where you’re using “effect”?

Synonyms for the word effect

Practice with vocabulary effect

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The long-term ____________ of rising sea levels are a major concern for scientists worldwide.
  2. The company's new privacy policy will take ____________ next quarter, impacting data handling procedures.
  3. Changes in consumer spending habits directly ____________ economic growth and market stability.
  4. After extensive negotiations, the final ____________ of the trade talks was a comprehensive agreement.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The research team is studying the cumulative ____________ of microplastics on marine ecosystems. (A) cause (B) effect (C) reason (D) factor
  2. Businesses are bracing for the potential ____________ and challenges of the new global trade regulations. (A) effects (B) impacts (C) outcomes (D) influences
  3. Which of the following describes the immediate ____________ of the software update? (A) consequence (B) result (C) effect (D) impact
  4. The new economic sanctions are designed to ____________ the flow of funds to illicit organizations. (A) effect (B) affect (C) cause (D) create
  5. What was the primary ____________ for the unexpected drop in quarterly profits? (A) outcome (B) result (C) reason (D) implication

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The CEO's resignation caused a significant change in the company's stock price. Rewrite using "effect" or a related word form:
  2. Her innovative proposal strongly influenced the committee's final decision. Rewrite using "effect" or a related word form:
  3. The new management strategy will alter team productivity. Rewrite without using "effect":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The long-term effects of rising sea levels are a major concern for scientists worldwide.
  2. The company's new privacy policy will take effect next quarter, impacting data handling procedures.
  3. Changes in consumer spending habits directly affect economic growth and market stability.
  4. After extensive negotiations, the final outcome of the trade talks was a comprehensive agreement.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The research team is studying the cumulative (B) effect of microplastics on marine ecosystems.
  2. Businesses are bracing for the potential (A) effects, (B) impacts, (C) outcomes, (D) influences of the new global trade regulations.
  3. Which of the following describes the immediate (A) consequence, (B) result, (C) effect, (D) impact of the software update?
  4. The new economic sanctions are designed to (B) affect the flow of funds to illicit organizations.
  5. What was the primary (C) reason for the unexpected drop in quarterly profits?

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The CEO's resignation had a significant effect on the company's stock price.
  2. Her innovative proposal had a strong effect on the committee's final decision.
  3. The new management strategy will alter team productivity. / The new management strategy will change team productivity. / The new management strategy will reshape team productivity.

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