appropriate and vice versa. “Accept” means to receive something offered or
agree with something or someone.
On the other hand, “except” means
excluding something or someone. Hence, the two words are not synonymous.
Here are some common wrong usages of these words and the appropriate
way to use them:
Incorrect:
My mother can tolerate
any other behavior from me accept
stealing from others.
Correct:
My mother can tolerate any other behavior from me
except
stealing from others.
Incorrect:
I have no doubt that Bob will except this beautiful gift.
Correct:
I have no doubt that Bob will
accept this beautiful gift.
MCQs: Change the following passive voices to active voices:
Please, will you ____ my gift? (A. except B. accept)
Answer: B
Every member of the crew were all smiles ____ Harry. (A. except B. accept)
Answer: A
CONCLUSION
The attitude to learn is an attribute that you must never lose. I believe you
have learned a lot of important things that will
help you speak and write
English more effectively. However, learning must never end here. As much
as this book covered a wide range of grammatical and spelling errors, it does
not cover every error in the English language. Hence, it is imperative that you
continue to seek avenues to learn more and continue to improve.
You don’t have to be a native speaker before you can write and communicate
effectively in the English language. There have
been people who have won
awards for literary works in the English language who were not native
speakers. Hence, the only limitation to your efficiency in English grammar is
the one you place on yourself. You will only be as good as you want to be.
However, desire is not enough. You have to take deliberate steps to improve
yourself every day. Buy books and read quality
material that can improve
your speaking and writing. The quality of your life is equivalent to what you
do with your resources. Your money and time are two vital resources you
have to utilize judiciously. Invest your time and money in activities that will
improve your life!