To That Effect vs Affect: Stop the Confusion in 2026

You pause while writing, unsure if the phrase looks right. One small word suddenly feels like a big problem.

Many people search to that effect or affect because both words sound alike. Spellcheck rarely helps, and the mistake is easy to miss.

Is one correct and the other wrong? Or does it depend on context and grammar rules?

This blog gives a clear answer with simple examples. By the end, you will know exactly which phrase to use and why.

To That Effect or Affect – Quick Answer

✅ “To that effect” is correct.
❌ “To that affect” is incorrect.

“To that effect” means “with a similar meaning” or “saying roughly the same thing.”

Examples:

She said something to that effect.
He made a comment to that effect during the meeting.

👉 “To that affect” is never correct in standard English.

The Origin of “To That Effect”

The word effect comes from Latin effectus, meaning result or outcome. Over time, English speakers used effect to refer not only to results, but also to intended meaning.

The phrase “to that effect” developed to mean:

“with that meaning”
“along those lines”

The word affect, however, comes from a different Latin root and works mainly as a verb, not a noun. That’s why it does not fit in this phrase.

British English vs American English Spelling

There is no spelling or usage difference here.

American English: to that effect ✔
British English: to that effect ✔

Comparison Table

Phrase	American English	British English	Correct
To that effect	Yes	Yes	✅
To that affect	No	No	❌

Which Phrase Should You Use?

Always use to that effect, no matter:

Your country
Your audience
Your writing style

There is no situation where to that affect is correct.

If you remember one thing, remember this:

Effect = correct. Affect = wrong (in this phrase).

Common Mistakes with To That Effect or Affect

Mistake	Correction
Writing “to that affect”	Write “to that effect”
Confusing affect and effect	Effect is correct here
Thinking both are acceptable	Only one is correct
Overthinking grammar rules	Memorize the phrase
Letting spellcheck decide	Use effect manually

To That Effect in Everyday Examples

Emails

He replied with a message to that effect.
She sent an email to that effect yesterday.

News

The minister made a statement to that effect.
Officials released comments to that effect.

Formal Writing

The report included remarks to that effect.
The judge gave instructions to that effect.

Spoken English

I don’t remember the exact words, but it was to that effect.

To That Effect or Affect – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search data shows:

“To that effect” is widely searched and used.
“To that affect” appears mainly in searches due to confusion.
Professional writing, legal texts, and journalism only use “to that effect.”

This confirms that to that affect is a common error, not an accepted variant.

Keyword Comparison Table

Phrase	Meaning	Correct	Notes
To that effect	With that meaning	Yes	Standard phrase
To that affect	None	No	Common mistake
Affect (verb)	To influence	Yes	Different use
Effect (noun)	Result or meaning	Yes	Correct word here

FAQs

1. Is “to that affect” ever correct?

No. It is always incorrect.

2. Why do people confuse affect and effect here?

They sound similar and are often confused in general grammar.

3. Is “to that effect” formal?

Yes. It is common in formal and professional writing.

4. Can I use it in spoken English?

Yes. Native speakers use it often in speech.

5. Is the phrase used in British English?

Yes. Both UK and US English use it.

6. What does “to that effect” mean exactly?

It means “with a similar meaning” or “along those lines.”

7. How can I remember the correct form?

Remember: effect = meaning, affect = action.

Conclusion

The confusion between to that effect or affect is common, but the rule is simple. “To that effect” is always correct. “To that affect” is always wrong.

There are no exceptions, regional differences, or style debates here.

If you write emails, reports, articles, or academic work, learning this phrase will instantly improve your clarity and confidence.

Memorize it as a fixed expression and move on without hesitation. Once you do, this grammar problem disappears for good.

Eric White

Eric White is a dedicated grammar enthusiast and content writer at Grammiffy, where he simplifies the rules of English for learners of all levels. With a clear, reader-first approach, Eric focuses on grammar fundamentals, common mistakes, sentence structure, and everyday language usage.

To That Effect vs Affect: Stop the Confusion in 2026

To That Effect or Affect – Quick Answer

The Origin of “To That Effect”