Quick answer: An effect is a change or influence produced by a cause: Exercise has a positive effect on mood. A result is an outcome or consequence, often the end point of a process: The result of the exam was a pass. Both overlap, but effect stresses the change caused; result stresses the final outcome. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘effect’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| effect | noun (mainly) | a change or influence produced by a cause | The drug had no effect. |
| result | noun / verb | an outcome or end product of a process | The result was disappointing. |
Using Effect
An effect is something that is produced or brought about by a cause. It often implies an ongoing influence or change of state. Effect is most commonly used as a noun and frequently follows prepositions like on and of.
The medicine had a positive effect on her symptoms.
The effect of climate change is felt worldwide.
Stress can have a negative effect on sleep.
The sound effects in the film were impressive.
Effect as a Verb
Rarely, effect is used as a formal verb meaning to bring about or cause: The new manager effected significant changes. Do not confuse this with affect (the common verb meaning to have an influence on).
Using Result
A result is the outcome of a process, action, or calculation. It emphasises what happens at the end, rather than the process of change. Result can be used as both a noun and a verb (result in / result from).
The team was pleased with the result of the match.
Poor planning resulted in failure.
The results of the blood test came back negative.
As a result of the delay, the flight was rescheduled.
As a Result vs As an Effect
The phrase as a result is a very common linking expression meaning “because of this”. As an effect is not standard; use as a result or as a consequence in academic writing.
It rained heavily. As a result, the match was cancelled.
As an effect, the match was cancelled.
Common Mistakes
✗ The weather effected my mood.
✓ The weather affected my mood.
Note: affect is the verb; effect is the noun (in most uses).
✗ As an effect, sales dropped.
✓ As a result, sales dropped.
✗ The accident resulted of careless driving.
✓ The accident resulted from careless driving. (cause)
✓ Careless driving resulted in an accident. (consequence)
Also confusing: Affect vs Effect, Cause vs Reason. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Effect or Result?
Four questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “The new law had a dramatic ___ on crime rates.”
2. “The ___ of the vote surprised everyone.”
3. “___ of the storm, three villages lost power.” (As a ___)
4. “Lack of sleep has a negative ___ on concentration.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between effect and result?
Effect emphasises a change or influence produced by a cause, often ongoing. Result emphasises the final outcome or end point of a process. Both can often be used interchangeably, but effect stresses influence while result stresses conclusion.
Is effect a noun or a verb?
Effect is almost always a noun: “the effect of stress.” Rarely, it is a formal verb meaning to bring about: “effect change.” The common verb is affect (to influence): “Stress affects sleep.”
What is the difference between effect and affect?
Affect is a verb meaning to influence: “The cold weather affected the crops.” Effect is a noun meaning the result of that influence: “The effect on the crops was severe.” Remember: Affect = Action (verb); Effect = End result (noun).
Can result be used as a verb?
Yes. Result in means to cause or lead to: “The storm resulted in flooding.” Result from means to be caused by: “The flooding resulted from heavy rain.” Both are common in formal writing.
When should I write “as a result”?
“As a result” is a linking phrase meaning “because of this” or “consequently.” It is very common in academic and formal writing: “The budget was cut. As a result, the project was delayed.”
What is the difference between result and consequence?
Result is neutral — it simply means the outcome. Consequence often implies a negative or significant outcome, and is stronger in tone: “The consequences of global warming are severe.” Both are used in formal writing.
Can I say “side effect” or “side result”?
The correct phrase is side effect. It refers to a secondary, often unintended, consequence of a medicine or action. “Side result” is not a standard English expression.
What does “in effect” mean?
“In effect” means in practice or in reality: “In effect, the two companies merged into one.” “Take effect” means to start working: “The new rules take effect in January.” Neither meaning applies to result.
How are effect and result used in IELTS writing?
Both are essential in IELTS Task 2 for cause-and-effect essays. Use effect on to show influence: “The effect of urbanisation on the environment.” Use as a result / result in to show consequence. Affect (verb) is equally important to know.
What does “with great effect” mean?
“With great effect” means very successfully or powerfully: “She used humour with great effect in her speech.” “With great result” is not standard English in this context.