Accept vs Except
Spoken Description
Learn the difference between accept and except: 'accept' means to agree or receive, while 'except' is a preposition meaning excluding. Use clear examples and quick tips to avoid common mistakes.
Learn the difference between accept and except: accept means to agree or receive something; except means to exclude or leave out. Clear examples and practice to avoid common spelling mistakes.
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Accept and except sound similar but have opposite meanings: accept means to receive or agree to something, while except means to leave out or exclude.
Accept
Use accept when someone willingly receives something, agrees to an offer, or approves an idea. It can apply to tangible items, invitations, conditions, or abstract things like apologies.
Please(accept) my offer to help.
Por favor, acepta mi oferta de ayuda.
Please ___ (accept) my offer to help.
Except
Use except to show that something is excluded from a group, rule, or statement. It signals an exception and can apply to people, things, times, or situations.
Everyone is invited(except) John.
Todos están invitados excepto John.
Everyone is invited ___ (except) John.
Examples
Common Expressions
There are set phrases with each word: you accept terms, apologies, gifts, and invitations, while you except certain items, categories, or individuals when making exceptions.
We need you to(accept) the terms before proceeding.
Necesitamos que aceptes los términos antes de continuar.
We need you to ___ (accept) the terms before proceeding.
Tips
Remember that accept is usually followed by what is received or agreed to, while except is followed by what is excluded. Try substituting each in sentences to test which meaning fits.
Summary
Accept means to receive or agree; except means to exclude. Focus on whether the sentence is about receiving something or leaving something out to choose the right word.
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