ENGLISH
REFERENCE

affecting

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //əˈfɛktɪŋ// UK //ɐfˈɛktɪŋ// af·fect·ing

v. to cause a change in someone or something. You use this when one thing has an impact on how another thing works or feels.

v. to produce an effect upon; to influence or alter the state of something. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

The cold weather is affecting the plants.

CONTEXTUAL

The new government policy is already affecting how small businesses manage their monthly taxes.

COMPLEX

While the immediate results were positive, scientists are still studying how the chemical might be affecting the local water supply over a longer period of time.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is frequently confused with the noun 'effect'.

Pitfall

the drug had a positive affectingthe drug had a positive effectLearners often use the verb 'affect' (or its participle 'affecting') when the noun 'effect' is required.

© 2026 English Reference