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Thought bubbles with text overlay – Accept v Except – Your guide to confusing words

Confusing word choices

Accept v except

Stumped on yet another confusing word choice?

Whether you’re a blogger, entrepreneur or simply write for work, producing your best written communication is vital to getting your message across – and to your professional credibility.

Typos are one thing, but using the wrong word in the wrong context? There’s a chance your reader will think twice about engaging with you.

To avoid further confusion, I’ve compiled a list of the confusing words I most often see written in the wrong context. 

Download the cheat sheet with dozens more confusing word solutions.

Today let’s look at…

Thought bubbles with text overlay – Accept v Except – Your guide to confusing words

Orange border on white with text overlay - Accept v Except - Your guide to confusing words + free cheat sheet

Accept and except

This can be a hard one – especially if you’re driving a bus!

Road sign - except

Although technically correct, every time I see this sign, I need to read it twice. I think it would be clearer if it was:

Left lane must turn left – except buses and pedal cycles.

But let’s cut to the word choice in question:

Accept

To receive* or agree**.

  • *The CEO accepted the award for ‘most enterprising new company’.
  • **The CEO accepted the proposal to sell 30 per cent of the company’s shares.

Except

Other than or not including.

  • The conference was attended by everyone except the CEO.

Download my list of commonly misused words, and keep it handy when you’re writing.

Which words choices do you find confusing – or see used incorrectly? Comment below.

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