affect the outcome

Meaning

This phrase means to influence, change, or have an impact on the final result or consequence of a situation, event, or process. It is commonly used in discussions about sports, politics, science, and everyday decision-making.

Examples

• The referee's controversial decision did not ultimately affect the outcome of the game.

  The referee's controversial decision did not ultimately affect the outcome of the game.

• We need to consider how these new budget cuts will affect the outcome of the project.

  We need to consider how these new budget cuts will affect the outcome of the project.

• Your attitude during the job interview can significantly affect the outcome.

  Your attitude during the job interview can significantly affect the outcome.

• Scientists are studying how weather patterns affect the outcome of crop yields.

  Scientists are studying how weather patterns affect the outcome of crop yields.

• A single vote might not seem like much, but it can still affect the outcome of an election.

  A single vote might not seem like much, but it can still affect the outcome of an election.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The weather will effect the outcome of our plans.

  ✓ The weather will affect the outcome of our plans.

  'Affect' is the verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is usually a noun meaning the result itself.

• ✗ How does this decision affect on the outcome?

  ✓ How does this decision affect the outcome?

  'Affect' is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'on'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Do you think the new rules will ___ of the tournament?

  💡 Influence the final result.

  Show answer

  affect the outcome

• Every small mistake you make during the exam could ___.

  💡 Change or influence your final score/grade.

  Show answer

  affect the outcome