Learning English can sometimes be confusing, especially when it comes to words that look or sound similar but have different meanings. Two common pairs of words that often confuse learners are affect vs. effect and who vs. whom.
Affect vs Effect
These two words sound similar but have different meanings and uses.
Affect (verb): This means to influence or change something.
- Example: The bad weather affects my mood.
- Think of “affect” as an action, it’s something that happens.
Effect (noun): This is the result of a change or influence.
- Example: The bad weather had a negative effect on my mood.
- Think of “effect” as the result.
Who vs Whom
The difference between who and whom depends on how they’re used in a sentence.
Who: Use "who" when referring to the subject of a sentence (the person doing the action).
- Example: Who is calling? (The person calling is the subject.)
Whom: Use "whom" when referring to the object of a sentence (the person receiving the action).
- Example: To whom should I address the letter? (The person receiving the letter is the object.)
Using words correctly helps make your English clearer and more professional. Whether you’re writing an email or having a conversation, understanding the differences between commonly confused words can prevent mistakes and misunderstandings.
Write sentences using these words, or quiz yourself to check your understanding. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to use them correctly.
FAQ's
- Affect is a verb meaning to influence or change something.
Example: The noise affects my concentration.
- Effect is a noun meaning the result of a change.
Example: The noise had a negative effect on my concentration.
Use this tip: Affect = Action (verb); Effect = End result (noun)
- Use who for the subject of a sentence (the person doing the action).
Example: Who is calling?
- Use whom for the object of a sentence (the person receiving the action).
Example: To whom should I send the invitation?
Replace the word with he/she or him/her. If he/she fits, use who. If him/her fits, use whom.
Example: Who/Whom is calling? → He is calling. (Correct: Who)
- Saying “effect” instead of “affect” when talking about an action.
Incorrect: The medicine effected me.
Correct: The medicine affected me.
- Saying “affect” instead of “effect” when talking about a result.
Incorrect: The affect of the rain was flooding.
Correct: The effect of the rain was flooding.
Commonly Confused Words: Affect vs Effect, Who vs Whom