Final answer:
The word 'affect' is a verb meaning to influence an outcome, which is often confused with 'effect', a noun that refers to the result. Understanding the difference is crucial for clear communication, particularly in English language writing and speaking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term affect refers to the action of influencing an outcome. For instance, increasing the minimum wage will affect the incomes of millions of people. Improper understanding of homophones, like mixing up 'affect' with 'effect', can negatively impact the clarity of one's writing. It is essential to understand the difference between similar-sounding words to properly answer questions like 'How do you think the elections will affect the neighborhood?' which inquires about the influence the elections will have rather than the end result or effect. Correct usage of terms is critical for clear communication.