Accept vs. except

What does accept mean?

To accept means to receive something, such as a gift, or recognize something as valid. Accept is a transitive verb.

For example:

• My new college accepted credit from my previous course.

• Are you willing to accept responsibility for what you have done?

What does except mean?

Except means to exclude something or leave it out. Except can be a verb, conjunction or preposition.

For example:

• Everyone may leave class early except those who have not completed their homework.

• Polar bears were excepted from the bear study.

What’s the difference between accept and except?

Accept is a verb that means to receive or recognise something as valid. Except can be a verb, conjunction or preposition that means to exclude something or leave it out.

For example:

• She accepted everyone except Franklin.