These commonly confused words come from the same Latin root, -cept, meaning “hold” or “take.” Here's how to make sure you use these words correctly in your writing:
Accept is a verb, meaning “receive, embrace, or tolerate.”
Except is a preposition, conjunction, or verb, expressing exclusion (see below for example sentences).
Remember that words beginning in “ac-” usually have positive meanings. To accept means “to be open,” “to receive, and to take into one’s possession,” or “to feel or express (cautious) approval”—tolerance:
I accept your gift, but I cannot accept your offensive attitudes.
Except begins with ex-, which means “out of” or “away from.” Except, as a verb, means “to hold out or away from other things” such as in the related words, exception and exceptional:
Except, as a preposition or conjunction, means “excluding” or “without." For example:
She finished all the homework problems, except one.
Except as a conjunction:
She would have finished her homework, except she could not because her cat was sitting on it.
Except as a verb:
You can except one test score from those that will be counted towards your grade.
Note! Except is not used as a verb in everyday conversation, but rather only in official-sounding language.
Now you know how to avoid confusing these words in your writing.
More Examples of How to Use "Accept" in a Sentence
- Jacob finally accepted the offer, even though the company was his least preferred.
- Although I was not sure if I would be able to accept all of the changes in my life, I knew that they would happen eventually.
- He accepted her apology, but he still hadn't forgiven her.
- She refused to accept the rejection and continued sending in applications.
- I accepted her apology and we made up.
- He couldn't accept his failure so he tried again.
- The students accepted that she was more qualified for the job than they were.
- The program accepts students from all over the world.
- I accept credit cards at my store, if you are willing to pay a fee.
- I want to accept checks, but the bank hasn't approved me yet.
- Do you accept digital currency, such as Bitcoin?
- Since I didn't have an emergency fund, I accepted a loan with a shamefully high interest rate.
- Gladys could not accept her father's death which led to her receiving psychiatric care.
- I accept that I am not always the most knowledgeable person in the room, but you have to admit: I made a good point in the meeting yesterday.
- The year ended, and I accepted the fact that I would not be graduating with my friends after all.
- I pray that you accept our invitation.
- With bridges to cross and mountains to climb, don't be afraid to accept help when you need it
- We will always accept orders, but we will never be ordered around.
- Attempting to move forward too quickly means that you may always regret not accepting the moment.
More Examples of How to Use "Except" in a Sentence
- In the living room, except for the books on the coffee table, there doesn't seem to be anything out of place.
- I would love to do something with you tonight, except I have a meeting (used like a conjunction)
- I was able to attend school online every day, except on Fridays, which require us to take in-person quizzes and exams.
- My daughter seems to like all foods—except for the vegetables.
- I'll do the dishes, except during the weekend.
- No one wanted to go to the party, except for my friend, Bob.
- Except for on Sundays, I watch Netflix every night.
- He didn't want to go to the party, except that it was a co-workers birthday, and he would feel awkward not showing up.
- Sherry can never find her keys except for when she doesn’t need them.
- The dog was absolutely adorable, except for the fact it was chewing on my shoe.
- I can't stand people who talk loudly on cell phones, except for the days when I'm doing it.
- All the kids were given a turn on the swing, except for Jane, who began to cry.
- She decided to take a drink of water, except she was out of bottles.
- A brief, awkward silence was the only exception to what was a disorganized, noisy staff meeting.
- His friends and I avoid each other except when we go to the same basketball game.