To That Effect or Affect: Which One Is Correct? The correct phrase uses effect, meaning a result, meaning, or message related to an idea.
The phrase to that effect uses effect, not affect. Affect usually functions as a verb meaning to influence or produce a change. Effect usually functions as a noun meaning a result, outcome, or change caused by something. The two words sound alike, but their meanings and grammatical roles differ. Writers may confuse them in emails, academic writing, conversations, and other forms of English communication. To that effect refers to an idea, statement, message, or meaning that has already been expressed. Context helps determine how affect and effect function in a sentence. For example, “She made a statement to that effect” means that she made a statement expressing that idea or something with a similar meaning.
A useful rule helps you remember the distinction between affect and effect. Use affect when you mean influence or change as an action. Use effect when you mean the result of an action or event. The expression to that effect always uses effect because the word refers to the meaning, sense, or result conveyed by a previous statement. Learning the grammatical function of each word can help you avoid spelling and usage mistakes. Check the intended meaning before choosing between affect and effect. The words may sound similar, but their roles in sentences are different. Correct word choice makes your writing clearer and more precise.
To That Effect or Affect: Quick Answer
If you only remember one thing from this article, remember this:
| Phrase | Correct Usage | Meaning | Example |
| To that effect | ✅ Correct | With a similar meaning or result | “He made a statement to that effect.” |
| To that affect | ❌ Usually incorrect | Not a standard English phrase | “She spoke to that affect.” |
The word effect works because the phrase refers to the result, meaning, or outcome of someone’s words.
The word affect usually means to influence, which does not fit this expression.
What Does “To That Effect” Mean?
The phrase “to that effect” means “with that meaning,” “expressing a similar idea,” or “having a similar result.”
People use it when they want to summarize information without repeating the exact wording.
Think of it like describing the shape of an object without drawing every tiny detail. You capture the main idea without copying every word.
For example:
“The manager said the company needed to reduce expenses, or something to that effect.”
The speaker does not remember the exact sentence. However, they remember the general message.
The meaning is:
“The manager said something similar about reducing expenses.”
Why Do People Say “Words to That Effect”?
One of the most common uses of this phrase is:
“Words to that effect.”
This expression tells the reader or listener:
“I may not remember the exact words, but the meaning was close to this.”
For example:
“My teacher told me to study harder, or words to that effect.”
The speaker probably does not remember the exact sentence. Maybe the teacher said:
- “You need to put more effort into studying.”
- “Your grades will improve if you work harder.”
- “Spend more time reviewing your lessons.”
The wording changes, but the message stays the same.
Common Uses of “To That Effect”
The phrase appears in everyday conversations, professional writing, legal documents, and formal communication.
Words to That Effect
This is the most common form.
Examples:
- “He apologized and said he would do better, or words to that effect.”
- “She mentioned that she was moving away, words to that effect.”
- “The employee said the project was delayed, or something to that effect.”
This phrase helps people avoid pretending they remember an exact quote when they do not.
Something to That Effect
People often use this version casually.
Examples:
- “I think he said the store closes at eight, or something to that effect.”
- “She wanted a solution that saves money, something to that effect.”
This wording keeps conversations flexible because memory is not always perfect.
A Statement to That Effect
This version appears more often in professional writing.
Examples:
- “The company released a statement to that effect.”
- “The government issued a notice to that effect.”
- “The lawyer submitted a document to that effect.”
Here, to that effect means the statement communicates a particular idea or decision.
What Does “To That Affect” Mean?
In most situations, “to that affect” is incorrect.
The confusion happens because many people associate affect with change or influence. While that meaning is correct, it does not work in this phrase.
For example:
❌ “The company released a statement to that affect.”
The correct version is:
✅ “The company released a statement to that effect.”
Why?
Because the statement has a meaning or result, not an influence.
Affect vs Effect: Understanding the Real Difference
The easiest way to understand that effect or affect is to understand the difference between the two words.
Affect Usually Means “To Influence”
Affect is most commonly used as a verb.
It describes an action that changes something.
Examples:
- “Lack of sleep can affect your concentration.”
- “The weather affected our travel plans.”
- “The new rules affected how employees worked.”
In each example, something causes a change.
The pattern looks like this:
Something → affects → something else
Stress → affects → your health
Rain → affects → the game
New rules → affect → behavior
Effect Usually Means “A Result”
Effect is most commonly used as a noun.
It describes the outcome caused by something.
Examples:
- “The new policy had a positive effect.”
- “The medicine produced a quick effect.”
- “The decision had a major effect on sales.”
The pattern looks like this:
Cause → Result
Hard work → success
Exercise → better health
Rain → canceled games
Affect vs Effect Comparison Table
| Feature | Affect | Effect |
| Common grammatical role | Verb | Noun |
| Main meaning | To influence something | A result or outcome |
| Example | “Noise affects my focus.” | “Noise has an effect on my focus.” |
| Memory clue | Action | End result |
A simple trick:
Affect = Action
Effect = End result
The first letters can remind you:
- Affect = Action
- Effect = End result
Can Effect Be Used as a Verb?
Yes, but this usage is less common.
As a verb, effect means to bring about or create something.
Examples:
- “The organization wants to effect major changes.”
- “The new leader hopes to effect improvements.”
This meaning often appears in formal writing.
Compare:
“The policy affected employees.”
Meaning:
- The policy influenced employees.
“The policy effected change.”
Meaning:
- The policy created change.
The difference is subtle but important.
Why People Confuse “To That Effect” and “To That Affect”
Several factors cause this common mistake.
Similar Pronunciation
The biggest reason is simple:
Effect and affect sound almost the same.
When people hear the phrase, they often choose the spelling that feels familiar.
English contains many words that sound alike but have different meanings:
| Words | Difference |
| Their / There / They’re | Possession vs location vs contraction |
| Your / You’re | Ownership vs “you are” |
| Affect / Effect | Influence vs result |
Sound alone does not always tell you the correct spelling.
Affect and Effect Are Commonly Confused
Even experienced writers sometimes mix these words up.
The problem becomes more common because both words relate to change.
For example:
- “The weather affected the event.”
- “The weather had an effect on the event.”
Both sentences talk about the same situation, but the grammar changes.
The Phrase Seems Logical at First
Someone might think:
“Affect means influence, so maybe ‘to that affect’ means something related to influence.”
That reasoning makes sense at first glance. However, English phrases follow established patterns.
The phrase developed around effect, not affect.
To That Effect vs To the Effect That
Many writers confuse these two phrases because they look almost identical.
Both are correct, but they work differently.
| Phrase | Purpose | Example |
| To that effect | Refers back to an idea already mentioned | “He made a comment to that effect.” |
| To the effect that | Introduces a statement’s meaning | “She said something to the effect that she needed help.” |
How “To the Effect That” Works
This phrase introduces an explanation.
Example:
“The company sent an email to the effect that all employees must attend the meeting.”
Meaning:
“The company sent an email saying that all employees must attend.”
Another example:
“He made a statement to the effect that the project would finish soon.”
The phrase introduces the idea behind the statement.
How “To That Effect” Works
This phrase points backward.
Example:
“The company announced that employees needed new training. It sent an email to that effect.”
The second sentence refers to the previous idea.
Real-Life Examples of “To That Effect”
Workplace Communication
Professional environments often use this phrase when summarizing decisions.
Examples:
“The director sent an email to that effect after the meeting.”
Meaning:
- The email communicated the same decision.
Another example:
“The manager gave instructions to that effect.”
Meaning:
- The instructions reflected that purpose.
Legal Writing
Lawyers and courts frequently use precise language.
Examples:
- “The court issued an order to that effect.”
- “The agreement contains a clause to that effect.”
In legal contexts, the phrase usually points to a specific decision or requirement.
Everyday Conversations
You will hear this phrase in normal speech too.
Examples:
- “She said she was tired, or something to that effect.”
- “He told me he wanted to quit, words to that effect.”
- “I remember him saying something to that effect.”
It helps people communicate naturally without worrying about exact wording.
Common Mistakes With “To That Effect”
Mistake: Writing “To That Affect”
Incorrect:
“She made a comment to that affect.”
Correct:
“She made a comment to that effect.”
Remember:
A comment has a meaning or message.
Therefore, use effect.
Mistake: Using It for Exact Quotes
The phrase does not replace a direct quotation.
Incorrect:
“He said, ‘I will never return,’ or words to that effect.”
This creates confusion because the quote already claims exact wording.
Better:
“He said he would never return, or words to that effect.”
Mistake: Confusing It With Influence
Incorrect:
“The speech was to that effect on the audience.”
Correct:
“The speech affected the audience.”
or
“The speech had an effect on the audience.”
How to Remember “To That Effect or Affect”
Use the Cause-and-Result Method
Think of English like a chain:
Cause → Affect → Effect
A loud noise
↓
affects concentration
↓
creates an effect
Affect is the action.
Effect is the outcome.
Use the “A = Action” Trick
When you see affect, think:
Affect = Action
Example:
“The storm affected traffic.”
The storm performed an action.
Use the “E = End Result” Trick
When you see effect, think:
Effect = End result
Example:
“The storm had an effect on traffic.”
Traffic problems were the result.
Quick Reference Guide: To That Effect or Affect
| Question | Answer |
| Is “to that affect” correct? | Usually no |
| What is the correct phrase? | “To that effect” |
| What does “to that effect” mean? | Similar meaning or result |
| What does affect mean? | To influence |
| What does effect mean? | A result |
See also: Freshman or Freshmen: What’s the Difference?
FAQS:
1. Is “to that effect” correct?
Yes. “To that effect” is the correct expression. It refers to something that has a similar meaning, message, or intent.
2. Should I write “to that affect”?
No. “To that affect” is incorrect when you mean “with a similar meaning or message.” The correct phrase is “to that effect.”
3. What does “to that effect” mean?
“To that effect” means that something was said, written, or done with a particular meaning or message similar to what was previously mentioned.
4. Is “effect” a noun or a verb?
Effect is most commonly a noun meaning a result or outcome. It can also function as a verb in some contexts, meaning to bring about or cause something.
5. Is “affect” a noun or a verb?
Affect is most commonly used as a verb meaning to influence or change something. It has a less common noun use in psychology.
6. Why are affect and effect so confusing?
They’re confusing because affect and effect have similar sounds and closely related meanings, but they normally perform different grammatical functions.
7. Can I say “the statement was to that effect”?
Yes. For example: “The manager made a statement to that effect.” This means the manager made a statement with that meaning or message.
8. What is an easy way to remember affect and effect?
Remember Affect = Action and Effect = End result. This simple association can help you choose the correct word in many sentences.
9. Is “to that effect” used in formal writing?
Yes. “To that effect” is common in formal writing, academic texts, emails, reports, and professional communication.
10. What is the correct phrase: “to that effect or affect”?
The correct phrase is “to that effect.” Use effect because the expression refers to a meaning, message, or result rather than an action that influences something.
Conclusion:
“To that effect” is the correct expression, while “to that affect” is incorrect when you mean a similar meaning or message. The key is to remember that effect usually refers to a result, while affect usually describes an influence or action. Once you understand this basic distinction, choosing between the two becomes much easier.
