Difference Between Accept and Except

Accept and except are two words that often confuse people when they are spoken. However, these words are entirely different in their meaning and use. In this section, we will learn about the use of accept and except in sentences. You will also learn to use the correct word in the right context.

What Does Accept Mean

According to Oxford, accept means to take willingly something that is offered; to say 'yes' to an offer, invitation, etc. The word is also used to show the sign of approval or recognition. Accept is also used as a verb in a sentence. The antonym of accept is to reject or refuse.

What is the Meaning Except?

The word "Except" tends to convey the meaning of the subject, context, or matter that is being excluded or denotes an exception to a claim.

According to parts of speech, except is a preposition or conjunction. As a preposition, the word except denotes but. As a conjunction, the word is also used as by that and means

1. Conjunction
   
   • "I would eat anything except that spicy dish."
   • "Everyone attended the meeting except Tom."
2. Verb: As a verb, "except" means to exclude or object. For example:
   
   • "Please except the first paragraph from the document."
3. Preposition: In prepositional phrases, "except" is used to indicate exclusion from a particular group or category. For example:
   
   • "Everyone came except for Mary."
4. For example:
   
   • "I'll go to the party except if it rains."
   • "She agreed to help, except that she was busy that day."
   • "He's always punctual, except when there's heavy traffic."

Overall, "except" is a flexible word that adds nuance to sentences by indicating exceptions, exclusions, or objections.

Differences between "accept" and "except" with some excellent examples. Here's a refined version:

• Accept: Use "accept" when referring to willingly receiving something, whether tangible or intangible.
  
  • When Robert asked Joshua to marry, she happily accepted.
  • The dog likes all vegetables except kale.
• Except: Use "except" to indicate exclusion or when something is not included.
  
  • All the classmates except Jeanette attended the reunion.
  • Will you accept my gift?
• Examples:
  
  • Accept:
    
    • I declined to accept the job offer.
    • Cicely accepted the slice of cake with a smile.
    • We accept that you want to avoid being part of the group project.
    • They won't accept no for an answer.
  • Except:
    
    • Buy all the ingredients for the recipe except milk.
    • Except for the rain, the camping trip was a success.
    • Everyone was having fun except Danielle, who was feeling grouchy.
    • The economy was on an upward trajectory last year, except for March.
• Accept and Except:
  
• I accept the terms of the contract, except the indemnity clause.
• Except for the shrimp, they accepted all the hors d'oeuvres offered at the reception.
• Everyone accepts the decision; everyone except Brian.
• The pool is empty except for Marcy, who accepts a towel when she climbs out.

Difference Between Accept and Except

Conclusion

These two words often need to be clarified in their meaning. This causes problems, especially for those who are new to the English language. They hesitate or take time to use the word to form sentences. It is important to know their differences so that they become easy to use in the future.