Thursday, July 21, 2011

Accept vs. Except

"Accept" and "Except" sound very similar when spoken but have two entirely different meanings.  The latter is often written in error when the former is meant.

To accept means to receive willingly ("Will you accept money for driving me to the store?") or to respond affirmatively, as with an invitation ("I will accept your offer to drive me to the store.").  Check out this page on Answers.com for a complete list of definitions.

Except means excluding ("Everyone except me is going to the store.").  Several more definitions can be found here on Dictionary.com.

Incorrect: "He will not except money for driving me to the store."
Correct: "He will not accept money for driving me to the store."

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