Accept is a verb that means "to take in." The preposition except means "other than." The verb expect means to "depend on" or "await."
Examples:
Everyone except the elves accepted the wage offer. We expect to return to work soon.
Practice:
(a) Because nobody _____ Shrek would _____ your excuse, I _____ an apology.
(b) I _____ you to pay the rent by Friday, and I'll _____ no more excuses.
