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"Agree" is to share someone's opinion or reach a common position; "accept" is to receive or approve something offered to you.
Side-by-side comparison
"Agree" means to share the same opinion or position as someone else. You are in agreement with what someone says or proposes.
I completely agree with your assessment of the situation.
We finally agreed on a price after two hours of negotiation.
Do you agree that the project needs more time?
"Accept" means to receive or approve something offered to you, even if you do not necessarily agree with it. You can accept something without being fully convinced.
She accepted the job offer without hesitation.
He accepted full responsibility for the mistake.
The university accepted her application.
Common mistake
- •"I accept with you" and "I agree the offer" are the two most common mistakes.
- •"Agree" goes with people and opinions (agree with someone); "accept" goes with concrete things (accept an offer).
Trick to remember it
- •Are you sharing an opinion or position with someone? Use "agree".
- •Are you receiving or approving something concrete? Use "accept".
Quick rule
- •"Agree" = to share an opinion or position.
- •"Accept" = to receive or approve something concrete (offer, invitation, apology).
Did you know?
"I couldn't agree more" is one of the most-used expressions of agreement in English, literally saying your agreement level could not possibly go higher. "Agree" also has several distinct patterns: agree with someone, agree on something (two parties reach a shared decision), agree to do something (commit to doing it). Each has a different nuance, but "agree with" for sharing an opinion is by far the most common.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
After a long discussion, both friends finally _____ on where to have dinner.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
She was thrilled when the publisher _____ her novel.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
One means to receive or agree to something, the other means to exclude or not include.
"Refuse" is to actively decline to do something; "reject" is to dismiss or turn down someone or something that is offered or applied.
"Above" is at a higher level without contact; "over" implies covering, movement, or crossing.
'Currently' means 'at the present time'; 'actually' means 'in reality', not 'nowadays'.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy