Accept vs. Except: What’s the difference between these 2 words?

Accept or except: Which word to use and when? If you’re looking for some answers when it comes to English grammar and vocabulary, then keep on reading! We’ll give you the rundown on accept/except and then you can practice what you’ve learned. Don’t be confused about this word pair any longer!

Accept vs Except: Listening/pronunciation tip

These two words only have a slight difference in pronunciation which makes them confusing. Focus on the first vowel sound of each word. “Accept” has a sharp and short “a” like in “apple,” whereas the first sound of “except” has an “e” like in “egg.”

Accept: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

accept: A verb that means to take or receive something (willingly, with permission).

Examples: 

Most people accept that the theory of evolution is true.

I accepted the job offer. I’ll start in two weeks.

His parents accepted his decision to not go to college.

I can’t accept his apology. What he did was just so bad.

Not correct: 

I like all vegetables accept carrots.

Except: Meaning, Usage and Examples

except: Used as a preposition to mean not including or other than; not included, something not a part of a grouping. Also used as a verb but not commonly (usually in legal documents).

Examples: 

That restaurant is open every day except for Mondays.

The letter is great except for one thing—there are a few spelling mistakes. Use spell check on your computer.

He does nothing except complain. I’m so tired of it.

I have to work every day except for Tuesdays.

Not correct: 

Can you just except my decision? I’m not going to change my mind.

Except vs Accept: Practice

1. Are you going to _____ the revised contract?
2. That house is good, _____ it only has one bathroom.
3. We’re open for lunch, _____ on Tuesdays.
4. Can you _____ my package for me, please? It’s going to be delivered on my day off.
5. Please _____ my sincere apology.
6. He’s a great employee _____ he always shows up a few minutes late.

Accept Except: Answers

1. accept
2. except
3. except
4. accept
5. accept
6. except

Except Accept: Speaking Practice

After checking your fill-in-the-blank answers, try speaking each sentence to a friend. Or, record yourself speaking each sentence on your smartphone. Then listen and see if your pronunciation is clear and easy to understand.

Want to Find Out More?

You can find hundreds of confusing English words and word pairs in this book: Most Confusing Words in English Explained. Pick up a copy and ace your next TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS exam! Find out everything you need to know about it right here:

More Confusing English Words

access vs excess

already vs all ready vs allready 

advice vs advise 

affect vs effect

Is irregardless really a word?

Except or Accept: Join the Conversation

Do you have any tips or tricks for remembering the difference between these two words? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API