Accept and Except

There is often confusion over the two words ‘accept’ and ‘except’. Although they sound similar the meanings are very different.

Accept

Accept is a verb that has quite a few meanings:
To believe something is true.
I accept your point and I have to agree with you there.
I accept that you may have been tired but it’s no excuse to fall asleep in front of our clients.

To receive something
I accept your invitation.
They do not accept dogs in that restaurant.

Except

Except is most commonly seen as a preposition. However it can also be used as a conjunction.

Except as a preposition means excluding:
I like all sea food except octopus.
I don't go out much these days except for the occasional birthday party.

Except as a conjunction means 'but' or 'if not for the fact that'
I would eat chocolate except that I'm allergic to it.

Lesson by Tristan, teacher at EC Malta English school

Now choose the correct word for the following:

• 1. I do not _ you explanation as to why you were late.
  
  except
  accept
  
  
• 2. I’m throwing away all my old clothes _ the cashmere sweater.
  
  accept
  except
  
  
• 3. Everyone turned up at the reunion _ Peter.
  
  except
  accept
  
  
• 4. We have to _ defeat and concentrate on the next game.
  
  accept
  except
  
  
• 5. Don’t _ everything you read as true.
  
  except
  accept
  
  
• 6. The board have _ your proposals.
  
  accepted
  excepted
  
  
• 7. Sarah doesn’t eat meat _ chicken
  
  except
  accept