The easiest way to distinguish between affect and effect is to think of affect as a verb and effect as a noun. Unfortunately, there are a couple of exceptions.
affect
Affect means to influence.
The weather affected the outcome of the Grand Prix.
Affect is usually a verb. Occasionally it is a noun when used in a psychological context to mean feeling or emotion.
effect
Effect means result or outcome.
The effect was dramatic.
Effect is usually a noun. Occasionally effect is used as a verb, meaning to cause or bring about a result.
To effect a sale.
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