Word Usage

Mary W. Ng

June 26, 2009

accept, except

Accept is a verb meaning “to take something that someone gives you”. Except (as a preposition or conjunction) is used to introduce the only thing, person, or fact that is not included in the main statement.

Incorrect:Do they except credit cards?
Correct:Do they accept credit cards?
Incorrect:Everyone is here accept Sheila.
Correct:Everyone is here except Sheila.