Diction: Accept vs. Exceptand Advice vs. Advise

Composition Mini-Lesson # 50

From the UWF Writing Lab’s

101 Grammar Mini-Lessons Series

Accept vs. Except

• Accept is always a verb. It means “to take or receive, consent to receive; say yes to.”

• Except is most commonly used as a preposition meaning “but.”

• A similarity in sound often causes confusion in the use of these two words.

Accept vs. Except - Application

• I accepted/excepted the invitation to the party.• I accepted the invitation to the party.

• All the employees accept/except Bill received a bonus.

• All the employees except Bill received a bonus.

Advice vs. Advise

• Advice is a noun meaning “counsel or recommendation.”

• Advise, the verb, means “to counsel or recommend.”

• A similarity in spelling often causes confusion in the use of these two words.

Advice vs. Advise - Application

• Do not advice/advise others unless you give helpful advice/advise.

• Do not advise others unless you give helpful advice.

• I advise/advice you to take the advise/advice of your attorney.

• I advise you to take the advice of your attorney.