Common Mistakes : Effect

verb

.BAD: I thought that the long illness would effect my chances of passing the exam
.GOOD: I thought that the long illness would affect my chances of passing the exam

(affect sth (verb) = have an effect on sth (noun

: Compare
.There is no doubt that smoking affects people’s health
.There is no doubt that smoking has an effect on people’s health

: ‘When used as a verb, effect means ‘bring about
.The new president effected several major changes

noun

.BAD: Many women stop smoking during pregnancy because of the effects to the baby
.GOOD: Many women stop smoking during pregnancy because of the effects on the baby

: effect on sb/sth
.These rays can have a harmful effect on the skin