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Excempt or Exempt – Which is Correct?

The question of whether to use “excempt” or “exempt” is a common source of confusion for many English language learners. Both words sound similar and have similar meanings, but only one of them is correct. So, let’s dive into the topic and find out which one is the right word to use!

The correct spelling for the word is “exempt.” This word is used as an adjective and means to be free or immune from something, usually from an obligation or requirement. For example, if someone is exempt from paying taxes, it means they do not have to pay taxes.

Now, why do some people mistakenly use “excempt”? Well, English is a language with many irregular spellings, and the letters ‘e’ and ‘c’ are often found together in words. Words like ‘accept,’ ‘except,’ and ‘expect’ all have ‘e’ and ‘c’ following one another in the same order. So, it’s a natural tendency to assume that ‘excempt’ follows the same pattern.

However, in this case, the correct spelling is ‘exempt.’ The ‘e’ comes before the ‘c,’ not after it. So, if you ever find yourself in doubt about whether to use ‘excempt’ or ‘exempt,’ always remember the correct spelling follows the pattern where ‘ex’ is followed by the letter ‘e.’

Now, let’s look at a few more examples to solidify our understanding. Suppose a student receives a scholarship and is exempt from paying tuition fees. Here, ‘exempt’ is used to describe the student’s privilege of not having to pay tuition fees. Another example is if a vehicle is exempt from certain emissions standards due to its age. Here, ‘exempt’ describes the vehicle’s immunity from the emissions requirement.

To further illustrate the correct usage, let’s imagine a scenario where a group of employees are required to work on weekends, except for those who have specific exemptions. Here, ‘exemptions’ refers to the specific instances where certain employees are free from the obligation to work on weekends.

So, to summarize, the correct word to use is ‘exempt,’ not ‘excempt.’ Remember, ‘exempt’ means to be free or immune from something, and it follows the pattern where ‘ex’ is followed by the letter ‘e.’ With this understanding, you can confidently use ‘exempt’ in your speaking and writing, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

In conclusion, the correct spelling for the word is ‘exempt.’ It is vital to pay attention to the spelling patterns in English to avoid confusion. By using ‘exempt’ correctly, you can effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas, whether it be in casual conversation or in a formal writing context like the IELTS exam. So, keep this knowledge in mind and go forth confidently, knowing that you have mastered the correct usage of ‘exempt’!

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