Take Effect vs. Take Affect - Know the Correct Spelling

Take Effect and Take Affect are commonly confused phrases in the English language. We need to first clarify the meanings of the words “Effect” and “Affect” before going into the corresponding phrases. Take Effect with an “E” is the right phrase while the Take Affect with an “A” is almost always a mere typo.

Take Effect

Effect is the noun and verb that refers to the change brought on as a result of something. Take Effect is a phrase that means “Come into action” or “Start to apply.” 

Exp. #1

• The newly updated rules are to take effect from the start of next month.
• The newly updated rules are to take affect from the start of next month.

Exp. #2

• The initial phase of the CMS system will take around one week to take effect.
• The initial phase of the CMS system will take around one week to take affect.

The first example mentions the rules have changed and it will start to apply from a certain point in time and the second example also states a time frame from when a system will begin to function.

Take Affect

Affect is a verb that means to be effected or impacted (negatively) by something or someone. It also means to pretend to possess or feel something. But there is no phrase like “Take Affect.” This is merely a term commonly mixed with Take Effect.

Exp. #1

• Since no date is mentioned, the terms will take affect from its delivery date.
• Since no date is mentioned, the terms will take effect from its delivery date.

Exp. #2

• My decision is to take affect from the day you return home.
• My decision is to take effect from the day you return home.

Both the examples clarify that take effect makes more sense and “Take Affect” would be the incorrect phrase to use. “Delivery date” and “Decision” started to apply from a certain point and that is the perfect use of Take Effect.

Difference: Take Effect or Take Affect?

Take Effect is usually the same as starting to effect but take affect is a mere incorrect term for it. If you have come across a phrase where take and affect sit side by side, that is purely because someone has made a mistake or typo.

The Trick to Differentiate

It can be a good trick to remember that Effect is more commonly used as a Noun so it needs “Take” to become the Phrasal Verb Take Effect while Affect is basically a Verb so it would not need the help of the “Take” before it so Take Affect is incorrect.

Comparison Table

There is not much to compare anyway but let’s take a look at the comparison table to clarify the facts and differentiation between Take Effect and Take Affect -