Grammar Tricks You should Know: Accept vs. Except

Nice examples of homonyms in the English language are the words “except” and “accept”. To be more specific, these words sound in the same way, but the meaning they contain is different. For English learners, it may be a quite puzzling topic. Even some native speakers doubt using these words in writing at times

Here is some more information to help you to grasp the difference and to consider the examples of sentences, which include these two confusing words.

 “Accept” Performs a Function of a Verb

This word is always a verb, but its meaning includes three non-identical senses.

1. “Accept” possesses a meaning “to admit that something is verifiable”
   • I accept the argumentation you suggest, but do not think that I am fond of it.
   • Josh accepted the outcomes of David’s essay once he has set forth the proved evidence. 
2. “Accept” can be interpreted as “to reply affirmatively to something”
   • Our daughter accepted a marriage proposal.
   • Not all of my friends are going to accept invitation to my birthday party.
3. Lastly, “accept” means “to take something you have a desire to have”
• I accepted Jack’s apologies as far as he was so sincere.
• Sarah was proud to accept the Achievement Award and has written a perfect speech.

“Except” Does not always Act as a Preposition

 “Except” is quite more complicated to be identified, as far as it can be a preposition, a verb or a conjunction. 

1. In case, it is used as a preposition in spoken or written language, the meaning it brings is “excluding.”
   • Moving to a new house, we have packed all our things except a four-poster bed due to its size.
   • Traveling around the Europe, I have visited all countries except Poland.
2. When “except” is a conjunction, it means “but”.
   • I could have agreed to go to the cinema, except I have already promised my mother to go shopping.
   • I could have passed the exam successfully, except I have missed a couple of compulsory classes.
3. It may also happen that “except” appears as a verb in a sentence meaning “to miss out.”
   • I hate visiting beauty salons, this one excepted.
   • My sons’ new classmates are excepted from the school rules others have to follow.

It is vital to understand the true essence of homonyms, especially of the words “except” and “accept”, which have completely different meanings. Therefore, there is a risk that you use them incorrectly. You may be too confused to remember all this stuff, so look for some alternative phrases.   Whenever, you are not sure of the spelling of the word you use, just check the dictionary.