CEW BLOG

September 21, 2011

Wednesday Words of “Whiz”dom # 4: Accept vs. Except

Accept is a verb. It can mean to agree, to be admitted, to receive, to answer affirmatively, to regard as true. It may also mean to receive officially or to endure with patience.

I was thrilled to accept the offer of a summer internship.I hope that I will be accepted to the college of my choice.I accepted the fact that I would not be chosen as captain of the team.

It was a generally accepted fact that students who were in band could not also participate in chorus.

Except may be either a verb or a preposition.

As a verb, it means “to leave out” or “to omit.”
As a preposition, it means “excluding.”

I do not have a final exam grade in physics because honor students were excepted from having to take the test.

I participated on the tennis team each spring except last semester because I had broken my leg.



The Case of the Dangling Participle: Answers

Here are some ways to correct the dangling participles from last Wednesday’s Words of “Whiz”dom:

Incorrect: Ripped to shreds, Jason had to throw out his jeans
Correct: Jason had to throw out his jeans because they were ripped to shreds.

Incorrect: Flying around the kitchen, Fred chased his parakeet
Correct: Fred chased his parakeet as it was flying around the kitchen.

Incorrect: A bowling ball was used by John weighing twelve pounds.
Correct! John used a bowling ball that weighed twelve pounds. (or) John used a bowling ball weighing five pounds.

Incorrect: These footprints were made wearing high heels.
Correct; These footprints were made by someone wearing high heels.

Stay tuned for more examples of dangling modifiers with clever and creative illustrations.

Be sure to write right!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

College Services

  • app Application essays
  • click Choosing a college
  • tooa College application help
  • ttyy Preparing for an interview
  • College advice blog
  • Guide books
FREE DOWNLOAD: ROADMAP TO SUCCESSGET STARTED WITH CEW

Contact

Flexible Hours Worldwide by Virtual Appointment
Phone: 855.784.3239
Contact us

Welcome Statement

College Essay Whiz welcomes students of all identities and backgrounds... Read more.

Copyright ©2017-2026 College Essay Whiz LLC | Website Privacy Notice and Disclaimer
  • nacac
  • nacac
  • nacac
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram