To That Effect or Affect: Meaning, Difference, and Use

If you are choosing between to that effect or affect, use to that effect when you mean “with that general meaning” or “in similar words.” The phrase is used when you report what someone said or wrote without claiming to reproduce the exact wording. Merriam-Webster, Cambridge, Oxford, and Collins all document to that effect as the established expression.

By contrast, affect is usually a verb meaning “to influence” or “to have an effect on.” It does not replace effect in the fixed expression to that effect. The words are easy to confuse because they look and sound similar, but their grammatical roles are different.

Quick Answer

To that effect is the correct expression when you mean “with that meaning” or “in similar words.” For example, “She said something to that effect.” To that affect is not the standard form of this phrase. Use affect when you mean “influence” or “change,” as in “The delay may affect our plans.”

TL;DR

• Use to that effect for a similar or summarized meaning.
• To that affect is not the standard expression.
• Effect is a noun in this fixed phrase.
• Affect is usually a verb meaning “influence.”
• Words to that effect means approximately the words reported.
• To the effect that introduces a summarized statement or idea.

To That Effect or Affect at a Glance

Feature	To That Effect	To That Affect
Standard expression?	Yes	No
Main meaning	Similar or general meaning	Not the standard phrase
Key word	effect	affect
Typical grammar	Fixed phrase	Usually a mistaken substitution
Example	She said something to that effect.	She said something to that affect.
Better alternative	—	Use to that effect

The central rule is simple: if you are referring to the general meaning of someone’s words, use effect.

Why “To That Effect” Is Correct

To that effect is an established English phrase. Here, effect is a noun, and the whole expression refers to the meaning or substance of something that was said or written.

Merriam-Webster defines the phrase as indicating that the reported words are roughly correct even if they are not completely accurate word for word. Oxford gives the same basic function and lists to that effect among established phrases built with effect.

Consider:

• She said she was tired, or words to that effect.
• The manager made a statement to that effect.
• He sent an email to the effect that the meeting was canceled.

In each sentence, the writer is not talking about something being influenced. Instead, the writer is referring to the meaning or substance of a statement.

That is why affect does not fit the standard expression.

What Does “To That Effect” Mean?

To that effect means approximately “with that meaning,” “expressing that idea,” or “in words with a similar meaning.”

It does not necessarily mean that the original speaker used exactly the same words.

For example:

Maya said the project needed more time, or words to that effect.

This sentence does not claim that Maya literally said “the project needed more time.” It tells us that her actual words communicated roughly that idea.

Cambridge describes the phrase as a way to report a short, general form of what was actually said. Collins similarly explains that to this effect, to that effect, and to the effect that can introduce a summary rather than the exact wording.

More examples:

1. The coach said we needed to stay focused, or words to that effect.
2. The letter contained a warning to that effect.
3. I remember her saying something to that effect.
4. The notice was to the effect that visitors needed identification.
5. His comments were to that effect throughout the meeting.

The phrase can appear in casual conversation, professional writing, reports, and formal documents.

How to Use “To That Effect” Correctly

There are several common sentence patterns.

1. “Something to that effect”

Use this pattern when you remember or report the general idea without claiming the exact wording.

He said something to that effect during the interview.

The teacher made a comment to that effect.

This structure is especially useful when the exact quotation is unavailable or unnecessary.

2. “Words to that effect”

This is another common pattern. It emphasizes that the words reported are approximate.

She told me to leave, or words to that effect.

The director said the plan was no longer practical, or words to that effect.

The phrase often follows a reported statement and signals that the wording is not necessarily exact.

3. “To the effect that”

Use this construction when a clause follows.

The notice was to the effect that the office would close early.

He sent an email to the effect that the meeting had been postponed.

Oxford specifically lists to the effect that alongside to this/that effect as expressions for giving the general meaning rather than exact wording.

“To That Effect,” “To This Effect,” and “To the Effect That”

These expressions are closely related, but their sentence structures differ.

Expression	Typical function	Example
to that effect	Refers back to an idea already mentioned	The manager made a statement to that effect.
to this effect	Refers to an idea being presented or demonstrated	A notice to this effect was posted.
to the effect that	Introduces a clause summarizing the content	She sent a message to the effect that she was leaving.
words to that effect	Reports approximate wording	He told us to wait, or words to that effect.
something to that effect	Reports a similar general idea	She said something to that effect.

The difference between this and that is often contextual rather than a major difference in meaning.

Collins confirms that to this effect, to that effect, and to the effect that are used to indicate a summary rather than the exact words used.

Why “To That Affect” Is Usually Wrong

To that affect is not the standard spelling of this established expression.

The confusion happens because affect and effect are closely related words and are frequently confused in English. However, the phrase requires effect.

Compare:

Correct:

She made a statement to that effect.

Incorrect for this meaning:

She made a statement to that affect.

The second sentence uses affect where the established phrase requires effect.

However, do not conclude that affect itself is an incorrect word. It is a standard English word with an important meaning.

For example:

The noise may affect your concentration.

Here, affect means “influence.” That is completely correct.

The problem occurs only when affect is substituted into the fixed phrase.

Affect vs. Effect: The Broader Difference

The easiest general distinction is:

Affect is usually a verb meaning “influence.” Effect is usually a noun meaning “result” or “impact.”

Oxford gives the contrast directly: affect means to influence someone or something, while the noun effect refers to a result or influence. Oxford also notes that effect can function as a verb meaning “achieve or produce,” although that use is less common and more formal.

Compare:

The weather affected our plans.

Here, the weather influenced the plans.

The weather had an effect on our plans.

Here, effect is the noun describing the result or influence.

Now compare those with:

She made a comment to that effect.

This third sentence is not about influence or a result. It refers to the general meaning of her comment.

That distinction explains why to that effect is the correct expression.

When Effect Can Be a Verb

The simple rule “affect = verb, effect = noun” is useful for beginners, but it is not a complete description of English.

Effect can also be a verb. Oxford labels this use as relatively rare and formal, with the meaning “to achieve or produce.”

For example:

The organization hopes to effect meaningful reform.

Here, effect means to bring something about or make it happen.

Similarly, affect can have a specialized noun use, especially in psychology, referring to an observable emotional expression or mood.

These less common meanings do not change the rule for the phrase to that effect.

So avoid relying on an absolute rule such as “effect is always a noun.” Instead, learn the meaning and structure of the particular sentence.

Synonyms, Alternatives, and Substitution Limits

Several expressions can sometimes replace to that effect, but they are not identical in every context.

Alternative	Meaning	Example
in similar words	Similar wording	He explained it in similar words.
with that meaning	Same general meaning	Her statement was with that meaning.
something similar	Similar idea	He said something similar.
words to that effect	Approximate wording	She objected, or words to that effect.
to the effect that	Summary introducing a clause	He wrote to the effect that he disagreed.

The closest everyday replacement is often something similar or something along those lines.

For example:

She said something to that effect.

can often become:

She said something similar.

However, the two expressions do not always have exactly the same tone or structure. To that effect is particularly useful when you are reporting the general content of a statement.

Do not replace the phrase with affect. The words perform different grammatical jobs.

Common Mistakes and Corrections

Mistake 1: Writing “to that affect”

Incorrect:

He made a statement to that affect.

Correct:

He made a statement to that effect.

The phrase refers to the general meaning of the statement, so use effect.

Mistake 2: Using “affect” for a result

Incorrect:

The new rule had a major affect on attendance.

Correct:

The new rule had a major effect on attendance.

After a and major, the sentence needs the noun effect.

Mistake 3: Using “effect” when you mean influence

Incorrect:

The new rule will effect attendance.

If you mean “influence attendance,” write:

The new rule will affect attendance.

Mistake 4: Confusing approximate wording with exact quotation

If you do not know the exact words, do not put an approximate statement inside quotation marks as though it were exact.

Instead, write:

She said something to that effect.

Or:

She made comments to that effect.

This makes the status of the wording clear.

A Simple Three-Step Test

When you hesitate between to that effect and to that affect, use this test.

Step 1: Are you reporting a general meaning?

If yes, choose to that effect.

He said something to that effect.

Step 2: Are you talking about influence or change?

If yes, use affect.

The delay may affect our schedule.

Step 3: Are you talking about a result or impact?

If yes, effect may be the noun you need.

The delay had a serious effect on our schedule.

This gives you three useful patterns:

• Similar meaning: to that effect
• Influence: affect
• Result or impact: effect

The test works better than simply memorizing “A for action” because English has legitimate exceptions and specialized uses.

Is “To That Effect” Formal or Informal?

To that effect works in both ordinary and formal English.

It can appear in conversation:

She said she was tired, or something to that effect.

It can also appear in professional or formal writing:

The committee issued a statement to that effect.

The expression is not slang, and it is not restricted to legal or academic writing.

However, in very plain conversational English, alternatives such as something like that or something similar may sound more natural.

The choice depends on the surrounding tone.

U.S. English and British English

There is no major American-versus-British spelling difference in this expression. To that effect is standard in both varieties.

Likewise, to the effect that and words to that effect are established constructions in English generally. Cambridge, Oxford, and Collins all document these forms.

So do not change effect to affect because you are writing for British readers or American readers. The phrase remains to that effect.

Examples You Can Model

Here are additional examples showing the expression in different contexts:

1. The principal made a statement to that effect.
2. I remember hearing something to that effect.
3. The reporter wrote that the company might close, or words to that effect.
4. She said something to that effect during lunch.
5. The notice was to the effect that visitors needed an appointment.
6. His comments suggested a decision had already been made, or words to that effect.
7. We received an email to that effect yesterday.
8. The witness gave testimony to the effect that the agreement had been discussed earlier.
9. The manager made several comments to that effect.
10. The announcement was to the effect that the schedule would remain unchanged.

Notice that these examples all report an idea, message, or general meaning.

Now compare them with sentences using affect:

• The announcement may affect the schedule.
• The delay could affect several employees.
• The new policy will affect how customers place orders.

The two groups describe different relationships.

FAQs

Test Your Understanding

1. Which sentence uses the standard expression correctly?A. She made a comment to that affect.
   B. She made a comment to that effect.
   C. She made a comment to that effects.
   D. She made a comment to those affect.
2. What does “words to that effect” mean?A. Exact words copied from a source
   B. Words that caused a physical effect
   C. Words with approximately the same meaning
   D. Words that influence another person
3. Choose the correct word: “The new policy may ___ how customers use the service.”A. effect
   B. effects
   C. affect
   D. to that effect
4. Which sentence correctly uses effect as a noun?A. The new rule may affect attendance.
   B. The new rule had a noticeable effect on attendance.
   C. The new rule to that affect attendance.
   D. The new rule affect on attendance.
5. Which sentence correctly uses “to the effect that”?A. She sent a message to the effect that the meeting was canceled.
   B. She sent a message to the affect that the meeting was canceled.
   C. She sent a message to effect that the meeting was canceled.
   D. She sent a message to the effects that the meeting was canceled.

Answer Key

1. B — To that effect is the established phrase for referring to a similar general meaning.
2. C — The expression signals approximate rather than necessarily exact wording.
3. C — Affect is the usual verb meaning “influence.”
4. B — Effect is a noun meaning a result or impact.
5. A — To the effect that introduces a clause summarizing what was said or written.

Conclusion

When choosing to that effect or affect, use to that effect when you mean “with that general meaning” or “in similar words.” The expression commonly appears in words to that effect, something to that effect, and to the effect that. Use affect separately when you mean “influence” or “change.” Although affect and effect have additional specialized meanings, those exceptions do not alter the standard spelling of this phrase.

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