What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
affect
Example
The news affected her deeply, causing her to feel sad and anxious. [affect: verb]
Example
The music had a positive affect on the crowd, making them dance and sing along. [affect: noun]
impact
Example
The car crash impacted the lives of everyone involved, causing injuries and trauma. [impact: verb]
Example
The new policy had a positive impact on the company's profits, increasing revenue and efficiency. [impact: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impact is more commonly used than affect in everyday language, especially in academic or professional contexts. Impact is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while affect is less common and refers to a more specific aspect of the effect.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between affect and impact?
Both affect and impact can be used in formal or informal contexts, but impact is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
