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affect   —   effect

In the present usage “affect” is always a verb meaning ‘to cause a change or some result; to influence’.  It is also used to mean ‘to pretend to do or feel’,

e.g.

Heavy drinking affected his health.

That little girl affects illness during study hours.

[i.e. She pretends to be ill.]

“Effect” is a noun meaning ‘the result; the outcome of something; the consequence’.  It may also be used as a verb to mean ‘to cause to bring about; to repair, to accomplish; to produce’.  This usage, however, is less common.

e.g.

The desert heat has little effect on camels.

Our principal effected longer working hours.

Common Errors:

1.  The shortage of oil has also affected on the film industry.  [wrong]

The shortage of oil has also affected the film industry.  [right]

OR

The shortage of oil has also had an effect on the film industry. [right]

2.  Many women stop drinking when they are pregnant because of the effects to the baby.  [wrong]

Many women stop drinking when they are pregnant because of the effects on the baby. [right]

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