Accept vs Except: The Simple Rule

Two Words That Sound Similar but Mean Opposite Things

Quick Answer

Accept = to receive or agree to something. Except = excluding or but.

Memory trick: ACcept = ACquire/Agree. EXcept = EXclude.

When to Use "Accept"

Accept is a verb meaning to receive, agree to, or approve.

  • I accept your apology. → agree to/receive ✓
  • She accepted the job offer. → received/agreed ✓
  • Please accept this gift. → receive ✓
  • We accept credit cards. → receive/allow ✓
  • He accepted responsibility. → agreed to take ✓

When to Use "Except"

Except is a preposition meaning "excluding" or "but."

  • Everyone came except John. → excluding ✓
  • I like all vegetables except broccoli. → but/excluding ✓
  • The store is open daily except Sundays. → excluding ✓
  • Nothing except water is allowed. → but ✓
  • All answers are correct except one. → excluding ✓

Comparison Chart

Word Definition Trick to Remember Example Sentence
Accept Verb: to receive/agree ACcept = ACquire "I accept your offer."
Except Preposition: excluding/but EXcept = EXclude "Everyone except me."

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

❌ Incorrect:

"I except your apology."

✓ Correct:

"I accept your apology."

Why? You're receiving/agreeing to the apology—use "accept."
❌ Incorrect:

"Everyone came accept John."

✓ Correct:

"Everyone came except John."

Why? John is excluded—use "except."
❌ Incorrect:

"We except all major credit cards."

✓ Correct:

"We accept all major credit cards."

Why? You're receiving/allowing credit cards—use "accept."
❌ Incorrect:

"I like everything accept that."

✓ Correct:

"I like everything except that."

Why? "That" is excluded—use "except."
❌ Incorrect:

"She excepted the award graciously."

✓ Correct:

"She accepted the award graciously."

Why? She received the award—use "accepted."

Quick Tips

💡 AC = Acquire

ACcept starts with AC like ACquire (to get/receive).

✅ EX = Exclude

EXcept starts with EX like EXclude (to leave out).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can "except" ever be a verb?

Rarely. "Except" as a verb (meaning "to exclude") is very formal and uncommon: "Present company excepted." In everyday use, stick to "except" as a preposition.

What about "exception"?

"Exception" is related to "except"—both involve excluding. "This is an exception to the rule" = this is excluded from the rule.

Is it "accept for" or "except for"?

"Except for" is correct when meaning "excluding." "I finished everything except for the last question."

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