Accept vs Except
In English accept and except have distinct meanings and uses, and mixing them changes the meaning of a sentence. This short guide shows when to use each word.
Accept
Accept means to willingly receive something, agree to something, or take something offered. It applies to things, help, ideas, invitations, and responsibilities.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| ✅ I accept the job offer with gratitude. | I agree to take the job. |
| 📩 She accepted the invitation to the conference. | She agreed to attend. |
| 💳 They accept credit cards for payment. | They agree to receive credit cards. |
| 🙋 He accepted responsibility for the mistake. | He agreed to be accountable. |
| 🎁 I accept your gift, thank you! | I gladly receive your gift. |
Expressions
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 👍 accept an offer | agree to a proposal |
| 📥 accept an invitation | agree to attend |
| ✅ accept terms and conditions | agree to rules or policies |
| 🤝 accept responsibility | agree to be accountable |
| 📨 accept an application | agree to consider a request |
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Except
Except means to leave out something, to exclude; it introduces what is not included in a general statement. It can function as a preposition, conjunction, or sometimes an adverb.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🚫 Everyone attended except John. | Everyone came but John did not. |
| 🕒 The store is open every day except Sunday. | Closed only on Sunday. |
| 🧴 All items are on sale except cleaning supplies. | Cleaning supplies are excluded. |
| 🚷 No one is allowed in except staff. | Only staff may enter. |
| 🍎 I like all fruits except bananas. | I do not like bananas. |
Expressions
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| ❌ except for | excluding |
| 🛑 except when | only if not |
| 🏷️ all except | everyone or everything but |
| 🔒 no one except | only person allowed is |
| ⏳ excepted from | excluded from a rule or duty |
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Summary
Use accept when you mean to receive or agree to something, and use except when you mean to exclude something. Remember: accept starts with a for agree/allow in, and except starts with ex for exclude.
Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025