What Is the Difference Between Accept and Except?
Despite having contrary meanings, accept and except are frequently misused. Accept is a verb meaning to receive, acknowledge, admit or agree. Except can be a verb or a preposition. As a verb it means to exclude something or someone. As a preposition it means other than or with the exception of.
Accept
Accept is a verb meaning to receive, acknowledge, admit or agree. It is useful to remember the noun form of acceptance, when using this verb.
e.g. I accept your resignation with deep regret.
e.g. We accept your invitation to the wedding.
“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.“ ~ Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790)
Except
Except can be a verb or a preposition. As a verb it means to exclude something or someone. When recalling its meaning, you may find it helpful to think of the noun form exception. As a preposition it means other than or with the exception of. It states what is or has been excluded.
e.g. If you except April’s trading results, sales were up by 15%. (Verb)
e.g. Pack everything except for those china cups. (Preposition)
Sources
- Alexander, L. G. (2004). Right Word, Wrong Word: Words and Structures Confused and Misused by Learners of English. Essex: Longman.
- Dowling, D. (2011). Wrong word dictionary: 2,500 Most Commonly Confused Words. Oak Park, IL: Marion Street Press.
- Gooden, P. (2007). Who’s Whose?: A No-nonsense Guide to Easily Confused Words. London: A & C Black Publishers Ltd.