“Accept” is a verb meaning to receive or take something willingly, to agree to something, or to recognize something as true or valid. It often answers the question “Will you take it?” or “Do you agree?” It can describe both physical things and abstract ideas.

“Except” is most often used to show an exclusion: it means “not including” or “other than.” It can function as a preposition or conjunction to remove one person or thing from a larger group. It answers the question “Which one is left out?”

Use “accept” when something is included, received, or agreed to. Use “except” when something is excluded or removed from a group or rule. A quick check is: if you can replace the word with “receive” or “agree,” choose “accept”; if you can replace it with “excluding,” choose “except.”

“Accept” commonly has three everyday meanings. First, to take or receive something offered. Second, to agree to a plan, decision, or request. Third, to acknowledge or recognize a fact, situation, or responsibility, often with the idea of not resisting it.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
accept an offer	agree to take something proposed	She accepted the job offer.
accept a gift	receive something willingly	He accepted the award.
accept responsibility	acknowledge a duty or fault	They accepted responsibility for the delay.
accept a fact	recognize something as true	I accept that I was wrong.

“Except” is used to name the one thing that does not follow the general statement. It commonly follows words like “all,” “everyone,” “everything,” “any,” and “no,” and it can also introduce a limitation to a statement. The excluded item can be a noun, pronoun, or clause.

Rule	Example
Use “except” to exclude one item from a group	Everyone came except Maya.
Use “except” after words that refer to a whole group	I like all fruits except bananas.
Use “except” to add a limitation to a statement	I would go, except I have to work.

“Accept” is always a verb, so it needs a subject and usually an object. “Except” is usually a preposition meaning “excluding,” but it can also be a conjunction meaning “but” or “if not.” This difference affects what can follow each word and where it fits in a sentence.

Rule	Example
“Accept” + object or clause	We accept your apology.
“Except” + noun or pronoun	All seats are taken except this one.
“Except” + clause when it means “but”	I’d help, except I’m out of town.

Some combinations are especially frequent and sound natural in English. Learning these helps you choose quickly between the two words. “Accept” often appears with offers, invitations, payments, and responsibility, while “except” often appears with broad words like “all” and “everyone.”

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
accept an invitation	agree to attend	She accepted the invitation to speak.
accept payment	take money as payment	This store accepts credit cards.
accept a decision	agree to a result	They accepted the judge’s decision.
all except	everything but one part	All except the first page is finished.
everyone except	every person but one	Everyone except Omar agreed.

When you are unsure, test the sentence with a simple substitution. If “receive,” “take,” or “agree” fits, you need “accept.” If “excluding,” “other than,” or “but” fits, you need “except.” This quick test works for most real-world sentences.

Rule	Example
Substitute “receive” or “agree” → “accept”	We accept returns within 30 days.
Substitute “excluding” or “other than” → “except”	The museum is open every day except Monday.
Substitute “but” → “except” in contrast statements	I would call you, except my phone died.

“Accept” and “except” connect to other common words that can reinforce the meaning. “Acceptance” and “acceptable” relate to receiving or approving. “Exception” and “exceptional” relate to something outside the general rule, which matches the exclusion idea in “except.”

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
acceptance	the act of accepting	Acceptance of the terms is required.
acceptable	approved or good enough	This explanation is acceptable.
exception	something excluded from a rule	There is one exception to the policy.
exceptional	unusually good or unusual	She gave an exceptional performance.

Use “accept” for inclusion: receiving, agreeing, or acknowledging. Use “except” for exclusion: leaving something out or adding a “but” limitation. If the sentence is about taking something, choose “accept”; if it is about what is not included, choose “except.”