Confusing words explained
“accept” vs “except” — What’s the Difference?
Sound alike but except is preposition/verb meaning exclude; accept is verb meaning receive
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: accept vs except
Sound alike but except is preposition/verb meaning exclude; accept is verb meaning receive
accept vs except Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of accept
To receive something offered, or to admit as satisfactory.
To take or agree to something that is offered or given.
Use as transitive verb with object: accept something/someone.
- She decided to accept the job offer.
- The committee accepted his proposal without question.
Meaning of except
Not including; with the exclusion of; but not.
Everyone or everything but a specific person or thing.
Use at any position in sentence to show exclusion; often paired with 'for'.
- Everyone except Tom is going to the party.
- The shop is open every day except Sunday.
How to Remember the Difference
Accept has a 'c' like 'consent'. Except has an 'x' and means to exclude.
Common Mistakes with accept and except
Mistake with accept
Wrong: I accepted for the job yesterday.
Correct: I accepted the job offer yesterday.
Accept requires a noun object (the job offer), not preposition 'for'.
Mistake with accept
Wrong: She accept the invitation.
Correct: She accepts the invitation.
Third person singular needs -s ending: accepts.
Mistake with except
Wrong: Everyone except me are coming.
Correct: Everyone except me is coming.
Everyone is singular; verb must be singular too. Except phrase does not change verb agreement.
Mistake with except
Wrong: I like all foods except to try seafood.
Correct: I like all foods except seafood.
Except takes a noun, not a verb phrase. Remove infinitive structure.
Practice Quiz: accept or except?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
She decided to _____ the job offer.
Question 2
We must _____ responsibility for our mistakes.
Question 3
Everyone _____ Tom is going to the party.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About accept vs except
What’s the difference between “accept” and “except”?
Sound alike but except is preposition/verb meaning exclude; accept is verb meaning receive
When should I use “accept”?
Use as transitive verb with object: accept something/someone.
When should I use “except”?
Use at any position in sentence to show exclusion; often paired with 'for'.
How can I remember accept vs except?
Accept has a 'c' like 'consent'. Except has an 'x' and means to exclude.
Is it “accept” or “except” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.