Accept vs Except

Accept and except are just two of the many words in the English language that are sometimes confused even by native speakers. Although these two words sound similar, it is very important to learn how to use them appropriately.

Accept is a verb that means " hold as true, receive, admit, give a favorable reply".

• I cannot accept your explanation.
• Please accept my gift.
• She was accepted to medical school. 
• My brother did not accept my invitation.

Except when used as a preposition means "excluding".

• I like all vegetables except celery.

It is also used as a conjunction which means "other than".

• He doesn't visit his parents except to ask for help.

It is rarely used as a verb which means "to leave out, or exclude".

• Minors are excepted from the rules.

From the examples, it is clear that these two words mean different, they can even be opposites. The confusion must be due to their somewhat similar spelling and pronunciation. If you want to use a verb, it is most probably "accept" that you have to use. But if you mean "to exclude" use "except".

Source: Oxford Dictionary of English

How about answering this short quiz? Decide if  it's "accept or "except" that should be on the blank. For verbs, use the correct tense, too. You can post your answers in the comment box.

1. She's good at almost everything ______ dancing.

2. Her application was not ______.

3. Everyone in the class participated in the game ______ John.

4. I didn't have a choice but to _____ his proposal.

5. Jane could not _____ the job offer.