Accepting or Excepting: Which Word Should You Use and Why?

English learners and even native speakers often confuse “accepting” and “excepting”. Although they sound similar, their meanings are very different. Using the wrong word can change the meaning of a sentence completely and cause misunderstanding. People search for “accepting or excepting” because they want a clear explanation and quick guidance on correct usage. Whether you’re writing emails, social media posts, formal letters, or academic papers, knowing the difference is crucial. This guide will explain the distinction, origins, common mistakes, examples, and usage tips so you can confidently use the right word every time.

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Accepting or Excepting – Quick Answer

• Accepting → Means to receive, agree to, or approve something.
  • Example: She is accepting the award on behalf of her team.
  • Example: He is accepting new students for his course.
• Excepting → Means leaving out, excluding, or with the exception of something.
  • Example: All employees, excepting John, must attend the meeting.
  • Example: I like all fruits excepting bananas.

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The Origin of Accepting or Excepting

• Accepting comes from Latin acceptare, meaning “to receive gladly.” It has been used in English since the 14th century.
• Excepting comes from Latin exceptio, meaning “an exclusion.” It entered English in the late Middle Ages and has been used to indicate exceptions or exclusions.

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British English vs American English Spelling

Both words are spelled the same in British and American English, with no variations. Usage rules are identical, but context drives proper usage.

Word	Meaning	Example (UK)	Example (US)
Accepting	Receiving, agreeing, approving	She is accepting the offer.	She is accepting the offer.
Excepting	Leaving out, excluding	All excepting Peter attended.	All excepting Peter attended.

Note: There are no spelling differences between UK and US English for accepting or excepting.

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

• Use “accepting” when agreeing to something or receiving something.
• Use “excepting” when you want to exclude something or someone.

For a global audience, focus on the context rather than the region. Both words are universally understood in English-speaking countries.

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Storey or Story: Which Spelling Is Correct and How to Use It

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Common Mistakes with Accepting or Excepting

1. Writing excepting the award instead of accepting the award ❌.
2. Using accepting everyone, excepting John in casual writing can confuse readers.
3. Confusing excepting with accepting in formal letters.

Correction: Always ask yourself: “Am I receiving/agreeing (accepting) or excluding (excepting)?”

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Accepting or Excepting in Everyday Examples

• Emails: “I am accepting your invitation to the meeting.”
• News: “All students, excepting those who are absent, will receive their certificates.”
• Social Media: “Accepting new members for the group now!”
• Formal Writing: “The rules apply to all staff excepting temporary employees.”

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Accepting or Excepting – Google Trends & Usage Data

• Searches for “accepting” are higher in contexts like job offers, admissions, and agreements.
• Searches for “excepting” appear more in legal, formal, or educational contexts.
• Globally, accepting is more commonly searched than excepting, but both are important in English writing.

Keyword	Avg Monthly Searches	Top Country
Accepting	60,000	USA
Excepting	15,000	UK

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Comparison Table – Accepting vs Excepting

Word	Meaning	Example
Accepting	Receiving, agreeing	She is accepting the award.
Excepting	Excluding, leaving out	All excepting John attended.

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FAQs

1. Can “accepting” mean excluding?
→ No, accepting always means receiving or agreeing.

2. Can “excepting” mean agreeing?
→ No, excepting always means leaving out or excluding.

3. Are there UK vs US differences?
→ No, both words are used the same way in British and American English.

4. Which is correct: “I am excepting your invitation”?
→ ❌ Incorrect. Correct: I am accepting your invitation.

5. Can “accepting” be used in formal writing?
→ Yes, in letters, agreements, and professional communication.

6. Is “excepting” common in casual writing?
→ Less common; mostly used in formal, legal, or academic contexts.

7. How to remember the difference?
→ Accepting = receiving/agreeing. Excepting = excluding.

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Conclusion

Choosing between accepting and excepting is simple once you understand their meanings. Accepting is for receiving, agreeing, or approving something, while excepting is for excluding or leaving something out. There are no spelling differences between British and American English, so context is your guide. Pay attention when writing emails, social media posts, formal documents, or news articles. Avoid common mistakes by asking yourself if you mean to agree or exclude. Using the correct word ensures clarity, professionalism, and accurate communication. Remember the examples and tables above—they are practical tools to write confidently and correctly every time.