Commonly Confused Words

Affect / Effect

Commonly Confused Words

• Effect= usually a noun meaning a result or the power to produce a result.

• Affect = usually a verb meaning to have an influence on

Directions: Choose the appropriate word for the following sentences.

1. The helpline is for young people (effected,

affected) by cancer.

2. Loss of stamina is just one negative (effect,

affect) of smoking.

3. Hurricanes (effect, affect) everyone, regardless of

age, race, gender or social background.

4. The need to pass EOI tests will profoundly (effect,

affect) student performance in the classroom.

Key:

• 1. Affect• 2. Effect• 3. Affect• 4. Affect

Context Clues

1. Joan loves to buy bultic foods: such as vegetables from

China, spices from India, and cheeses from France.

a) expensive b) rare c) seasoned d) odorless

2. Emotionally disturbed people have malred thoughts.

Meaning, they may often think about suicide or murder.

a) unusual b) realistic c) imaginative d) disturbing

3. At first, the surgery seemed to be successful, but several

hours later the patient’s condition began to elorate.

a) decline b) improve c) stabilize d) slow