Category: English Language

Very often it makes no difference which of these words we use. But there are some subtle differences, and occasionally only one of the words is correct. For example, it would be wrong to use ’sort’ or ‘kind’ in sentence …

It was a historic moment. = an important moment in history.

It is a historical novel. = a novel about history.

Compare ‘a historic event’ (an event that changed history) and ‘a historical event’ (such as a parade in historical costumes)

Affect is usually a verb, and effect is usually a noun.
to affect = to have an effect on someone or something.

His words affected her deeply.
His words had a powerful effect.

Less common uses:

How can we effect a change …