Affect vs. effect

Q. Seriously: What is up with affect and effect?
A. I know, right? What makes “affect” and “effect” especially confusing is the fact that these words do double duty as both nouns and verbs. While there are many definitions for “affect” and “effect,” I find that for most daily use, when you need a noun you go with “effect,” and when you need a verb you go with “affect,” like so:


Affect: verb

• to influence
  
• Example: Ten beers will affect your judgment. 

Effect: noun

• A result
  
• Example: Ten beers will have an effect on your judgment
  

One way to remember affect is the verb is that “action” and “affect” both start with a. So when you need a verb to do an action, go with “affect.”

Q. But sometimes I see “effect” as a verb…
A. While “affect” means to influence, “effect” as a verb refers to putting something into operation:

• Example: I hope to effect a two-beer policy from now on.
  

Q. So “effect” can be a verb, but usually not as often as “affect” is?
A. Right!