Many students and even native English speakers feel confused when they see the words “to that effect” and “affect.” They look and sound similar, but they are used in very different ways.
This confusion happens because:
- Both words come from the same root idea.
- They sound alike when spoken.
- They appear in similar types of sentences.
But do not worry. In this simple guide, everything will be explained in easy English, step by step. By the end, you will clearly understand what each one means, how they are different, and how to use them correctly in real life.
Quick Answer: Simple Difference
Here is the short and clear answer:
- Affect → is usually a verb. It means to change or influence something.
- To that effect → is a phrase. It means something similar to what was said, not the exact words.
Very Simple Examples
- The weather can affect my mood.
(The weather changes how I feel.) - He said something to that effect.
(He said something similar, but not the exact words.)
Simple Origin and Background
Understanding a little background can help reduce confusion.
Where does “affect” come from?
The word affect comes from a Latin word that means “to do something to” or “to influence.” Over time, it became the English word affect, meaning to change or influence something.
Where does “to that effect” come from?
The phrase to that effect uses the word effect, which means a result or outcome.
The phrase means “with a similar meaning or result.”
So:
- Affect = to influence
- To that effect = with a similar meaning
Clear Explanation of the Difference
Let us break it down in a very simple way.
1. What Does “Affect” Mean?
Affect is usually a verb.
It means:
👉 to change, influence, or have an impact on something
Examples:
- Loud noise affects my sleep.
- Stress can affect your health.
- Bad weather affects travel plans.
In all these examples, affect shows that one thing is changing or influencing another thing.
2. What Does “To That Effect” Mean?
To that effect is a fixed phrase.
It means:
👉 something similar to what was said, but not exactly the same words
It is used when:
- You do not remember the exact words.
- You want to summarize what someone said.
Examples:
- She said she was busy, or something to that effect.
- The teacher warned us about the test, or to that effect.
In these examples, the speaker is saying:
“I do not remember the exact words, but the meaning was similar.”
Comparison Table: Easy to Understand
| Feature | Affect | To That Effect |
| Type | Verb | Phrase |
| Meaning | To change or influence | Something similar in meaning |
| Used for | Showing impact or change | Referring to similar words |
| Example | Stress affects health | He said something to that effect |
| Common mistake | Confused with “effect” | Confused with “affect” |
Which One to Use and When
Let us make this very easy.
Use “Affect” When:
You want to talk about change, influence, or impact.
Ask yourself:
👉 Is something changing something else?
If yes → Use affect.
Examples:
- How will this decision affect our future?
- Lack of sleep affects focus.
- This rule may affect students.
Use “To That Effect” When:
You want to refer to what someone said, but not in exact words.
Ask yourself:
👉 Am I talking about a similar meaning, not exact words?
If yes → Use to that effect.
Examples:
- He said he would call later, or something to that effect.
- The notice said the office was closed, or to that effect.
Common Mistakes People Make
Let us look at some common mistakes so you can avoid them.
Mistake 1: Using “affect” instead of “to that effect”
❌ Wrong: He said affect.
✅ Correct: He said something to that effect.
Mistake 2: Using “to that effect” instead of “affect”
❌ Wrong: This will to that effect your grades.
✅ Correct: This will affect your grades.
Mistake 3: Thinking They Mean the Same
They do not mean the same.
- Affect = influence
- To that effect = similar meaning
Remembering this simple rule will help a lot.
Everyday Real-Life Examples
Here are simple real-life examples from daily life.
1. Emails
- Affect:
“Please reply quickly because this may affect our deadline.” - To that effect:
“He wrote that he was busy, or something to that effect.”
2. News
- Affect:
“The new law will affect many families.” - To that effect:
“The minister said prices may rise, or something to that effect.”
3. Social Media
- Affect:
“Negative comments can affect mental health.” - To that effect:
“She posted that she needs a break, or something to that effect.”
4. Daily Conversations
- Affect:
“Cold weather affects my joints.” - To that effect:
“He said he would be late, or something to that effect.”
Short Learning Section for Students and Beginners
Here is a simple memory trick:
Easy Trick to Remember
- Affect → Action → Change
- To that effect → Similar meaning
If it shows action or influence, use affect.
If it refers to similar words or meaning, use to that effect.
Practice Sentences
Fill in the blanks:
- Stress can ______ your sleep.
- She said she was tired, or something ______.
Answers:
- affect
- to that effect
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is “affect” always a verb?
Most of the time, yes. In very rare cases, it can be a noun, but beginners should focus on affect as a verb.
2. Is “to that effect” a formal phrase?
It can be used in formal and informal English. It is common in writing, speech, and news.
3. Can I replace “to that effect” with “something like that”?
Yes, in casual speech. Both mean similar meaning, but to that effect sounds a little more formal.
4. Can “affect” and “effect” be used the same way?
No.
- Affect = verb (to influence)
- Effect = noun (result)
They are different.
5. Is “to that affect” correct?
No. This is a very common spelling mistake.
The correct phrase is to that effect, not affect.
6. Why do people mix them up?
Because:
- They sound similar.
- Their spelling looks similar.
- They come from similar root words.
7. Is it okay to avoid “to that effect” and say something simpler?
Yes. You can say:
- “something similar”
- “something like that”
But learning to that effect helps improve your English.
8. How can I master the difference?
Practice simple sentences every day and always remember:
- Affect = influence
- To that effect = similar meaning
Conclusion
The confusion between “to that effect” and “affect” is very common, but it is easy to fix with simple understanding.
Just remember:
- Affect means to influence or change something.
- To that effect means something similar in meaning, not the exact words.
If you think about action and change, use affect.
If you think about similar words or meaning, use to that effect.
With a little practice, you will use both correctly and confidently. Keep learning, stay curious, and enjoy improving your English every day. 🌟
Daniel Matthew is a passionate visionary who believes in creativity, purpose, and innovation. With a focus on growth and authenticity, he turns every idea into meaningful impact.
