There is often confusion over the two words ‘accept’ and ‘except’. Although they sound similar the meanings are very different.
Accept is a verb that has quite a few meanings:
To believe something is true.
I accept your point and I have to agree with you there.
I accept that you may have been tired but it’s no excuse to fall asleep in front of our clients.
To receive something
I accept your invitation.
They do not accept dogs in that restaurant.
Except is most commonly seen as a preposition. However it can also be used as a conjunction.
Except as a preposition means excluding:
I like all sea food except octopus.
I don't go out much these days except for the occasional birthday party.
Except as a conjunction means 'but' or 'if not for the fact that'
I would eat chocolate except that I'm allergic to it.
Lesson by Tristan, teacher at EC Malta English school
Now choose the correct word for the following:
