Access vs Excess: What’s the Difference Between these Two Words

If you’re looking for all the details you need to know about access vs excess, then you’re in the right place. Keep on reading to find out when and how to use these words. Then, you’ll have an opportunity to put into practice what you’ve learned. Improve your grammar and vocabulary today!

Excess vs Access

Some English words can be quite confusing, and excess vs access is probably one of the most confusing ones! The similar pronunciation makes it even more confusing. The definitions of excess and access are also different. These two words are often used in conversations and in writing, so it will be very useful to understand the differences between excess vs access.

Access and Excess Pronunciation

Focus on the first vowel sound. Listen for the sharp “a” like in “apple,” and “e” in “eggs.”

Access: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

access: A noun or verb that means to approach, connect, or reach something.

• Why can’t I access this website?
• You can access that part of the ship by getting permission from the captain.
• Many people in my country have no access to medicines.
• Do I need a key to access the storage room?

Not correct:

Are you able to excess this back room? Do you have the key?

Other words for access

Synonyms of access:

• approach
• entry
• admittance
• entrance

Excess: Meaning, Usages, and Examples

excess: A noun or adjective that means extra, surplus, or beyond what is necessary.

Tip: excess = extra or exceeding (all start with short “e” sound).

• Excess consumption of animal products can lead to heart disease (adjective).
• We have so much excess stock. Let’s price it at 50% off.
• What do you do with the excess food from your events?
• If you have any excess paint, please let me know. I want to paint my bathroom.

Not correct: 

There’s so much access fabric here. Let’s cut some of it off.

Excessive Meaning

Excessive means more than needed, typical, or necessary. In other words, excessive means that there is too much of something.

Example: He borrowed an excessive amount of money from his girlfriend.

In excess of Meaning

Even after learning the definition of excess, the meaning of ‘in excess of’ can be confusing. Let’s make it simple.

In excess of something means that there is more than a particular amount.

In excess of in a sentence

Passengers with luggage in excess of 30 kg have to pay an extra charge at the airport.

Excess vs Access: Practice

1. My room has easy _____ to the shared bathroom.
2. Sell everything, even at a loss. I don’t want any _____ stock around when we get the new shipment in.
3. _____ is restricted unless you have a pass.
4. I like to remove the _____ fat from my meat before cooking it.
5. Cut off the _____ material before you start sewing it. It’ll make it easier.
6. My son has a trust fund but he can’t _____ it until he’s 25.

Access and Excess: Answers

1. access
2. excess
3. access
4. excess
5. excess
6. access

Extra Practice for Excess Access

Identify the reading strategy you used to find the fill-in-the-blank answers. Look at the nouns before and after the blank.

Is the blank word a person, place, or thing . . . or an action? access = noun or verb

Is the blank a person, place, or thing or a describing word? excess = noun or adjective

More Confusing English Words

Check out more confusing pairs of words in English:

accept vs except

all ready vs already 

averse vs adverse 

effect vs affect

irregardless

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:

FAQs About Excess vs Access

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the difference between excess and access.

What is the meaning of excess?

Excess means too much. When there is an excess of something, you have more than an acceptable or excepted amount.

What is an example of access?

Access in a sentence: You can access my website through this link.

What is the meaning of has access to?

Has access to means that someone has the right or ability to enter or approach someone or a place.

Access Excess: Join the Conversation

Do you have any tips or tricks for knowing when to use these words? What are some English homophones that are especially confusing for ESL students? Leave a comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2025-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API