Have you faced any confusion while using the words ‘accept’ and ‘except’ in any sentence? It’s not just you, but many students, as well as other people, have faced this confusion. So would you make sure that whenever you are using these words, they are used in the correct context? The most frequent mistake that people make while using these words is to pronounce them the same. You will find that instead of saying ‘except’, people pronounce it as ‘eccept’ and, as a result, confuse it with the word ‘accept’.
When you are writing or speaking in the English Language, you have to be extra careful. There are many words like this pair that tricks people, and they use them synonymously and interchangeably. So if you want to speak and write flawless English, it’s necessary that you not only pronounce the words correctly but also know what they mean. The points that are discussed below will help you understand how and when to use ‘accept’ and ‘except’.
- Table Summarising the Difference between Accept and Except.
- The Difference between Accept and Except – Meaning
- Examples of Accept and Except.
- Accept and Except – Conclusion
Table Summarising the Difference between Accept and Except
| Accept | Except | |
| Meaning | The word ‘accept’ is used while receiving or agreeing on something or with someone. | The word ‘except’ is used when something/someone is excluded. |
| Usage | It is used as a Verb. | It is used as a Preposition. |
| Example | Natasha would accept the offer she got from the college. | You can visit the zoo except on Sundays. |
The chart shows that in no way the words ‘accept’ and ‘except’ are synonymous with one another, and neither can be used interchangeably. If you want to avoid confusion with these words, try to pronounce them exactly as they are. Most of the time, you will see that instead of saying ‘except’, people pronounce it as ‘eccept’ and, as a result, confuse it with the word ‘accept’.
The Difference between Accept and Except – Meaning
Many of us have made the mistake of using ‘except’ instead of ‘accept’. To make sure that we don’t end up making the same mistake, we need to understand the meaning of these words. Just remember that if you want to exclude or omit something/someone, you use the word ‘except’. For example, “All of the guys went to the party except Ross.” Here, ‘except’ means excluding Ross; everyone went to the party. Whereas ‘accept’ means to receive or to take something. For example, “I accept the gifts that you bought for me.” Here, ‘accept’ means to take/receive the gifts. Once students understand how the words are different from one another, it’ll be easier for them to use the words in sentences correctly.
Examples of Accept and Except
The examples below will allow students to clearly understand the words ‘accept’ and ‘except’:
Accept – Do you accept the proposal forwarded by Amy today? (verb)
Except – All except Ronald went to the prom that night. (preposition)
The moment students understand the difference between the words ‘accept’ and ‘except’, they can easily apply them in the proper context.
Accept and Except – Conclusion
In conclusion, the words ‘accept’ and ‘except’ have entirely different meanings and are not pronounced the same. They can neither be used interchangeably nor synonymously. This article points out the difference between ‘accept’ and ‘except’ to make it easier for students to put them in sentences correctly. Besides, BYJU’S also offers various articles on many such ‘differences between two words’ that students often get confused with.
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