Diction: Accept vs. Except and Advice vs. Advise

Diction: Accept vs. Except and 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.