Introduction
The words “accept and except” can be confusing due to their somewhat similar spelling and pronunciation. However, despite these similarities, they have different meanings.
In this post, we will clarify the difference between “accept and except” and explore their usage.
But if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick explanation: “Accept” means to receive willingly or agree to something, while “except” is used to exclude something or someone from a group or action.
Confused Words: Accept and Except
What’s the difference between “accept and except”? To start with, “accept” is a verb, while “except” is a preposition or conjunction.
Accept means to willingly receive or agree to something, while except is used to exclude something or someone from a group or action.
Accept
The word accept (pronounced [ak-sept]) is a verb and it means to answer affirmatively or to receive (something offered).
Note: First recorded in the late 14th century, “accept” meant “to take what is offered” or “to admit and agree to (a proposal, etc.).” It came from Old French accepter or directly from Latin acceptare. It’s formed from ad, meaning “to,” and capere, meaning “to take.”
Examples:
- They accepted the invitation.
- I accepted the glass of water.
- She accepted the job offer.
- The store accepts cash and credit cards.
- We accept your apology.
Except
The word “except” (pronounced [ek-sept]) is most commonly used as a preposition or a conjunction. However, it may also be used as a verb.
Note: The term “except” was first recorded in the late 14th century. It came from Old French excepter, which derived from Latin exceptus. Originally, “except” meant “to take out.” It’s made from ex, meaning “out,” and capere, meaning “to take.”
- As a preposition, “except” means with the exclusion of, other than, or but.
Examples:
- All his friends came to the party except Alan and Amy.
- They invited everyone except me.
- Everyone passed the test except for John.
- As a conjunction, “except” is used to introduce a statement that forms an exception to one just made.
Examples:
- I would travel to Paris, except that I haven’t saved enough money yet.
- She didn’t tell him anything, except that she wanted to divorce.
- The museum is open every day except Sundays.
- The word “except” can be rarely used as a verb to mean to exclude.
Examples:
- You must pay a fee to get admitted, but children are excepted.
- The company excepted certain employees from the layoffs.
- They excepted the boss from the mandatory training session.
Accept or Except? Test Your Knowledge
Accept or Except?
- Which word means to receive willingly or agree to something?
- a) Accept
- b) Except
- Which word is used to exclude something or someone from a group or action?
- a) Accept
- b) Except
- Choose the correct usage: “I will _______ your apology.”
- a) accept
- b) except
- Choose the correct usage: “Everyone is invited _______ John.”
- a) except
- b) accept
- Which word is used to introduce an exception to a statement just made?
- a) Accept
- b) Except
- Choose the correct usage: “I love all fruits _______ bananas.”
- a) except
- b) accept
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