B1verbhealthsociety
US/əˈfekt/
UK/əˈfekt/
to cause a change in someone or something, often a bad change
In context
Lack of sleep can affect your concentration at work.
The storm seriously affected flights from Da Nang yesterday.
Thousands of workers were affected by the factory closure.
Words that go with affect
verb + preposition
- affected byCoastal areas are badly affected by rising sea levels.
adverb + verb
- seriously affectSmoking seriously affects your health.
- directly affectThe new tax will directly affect small businesses.
- negatively affectToo much social media can negatively affect your mood.
verb + noun
- affect healthAir pollution affects the health of millions of people.
- affect the outcomeOne small mistake can affect the outcome of the match.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Smartphones affect to children's sleep.Correct: Smartphones affect children's sleep.