Except for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Except for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an exclusion or exception to a general statement. Example: "Everyone attended the meeting except for John, who was out of town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Except for the freakish exceptions.

The New York Times

Except for Stevan Ridley.

Independent

Except for Pres.

The New Yorker

Except for a bank.

The New Yorker

Except for mine.

The New York Times

Except for the bride.

The New York Times

Except for one.

The New York Times

Except for crowds.

The New York Times - Travel

"Except for this one".

The New York Times

Except for once.

The New York Times - Sports

Except for Zinkoff.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except for" to clearly and directly indicate an exception to a general statement, ensuring that the exception is specific and well-defined.

Common error

Avoid using "except for" when the exception is unclear or ambiguous. Instead, provide specific details about what is being excluded to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except for" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing an exception to a general statement. It modifies the main clause by specifying what or who is excluded from the statement's scope. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "except for" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate an exception to a general statement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, demonstrating a neutral register. While alternatives like "apart from" or "with the exception of" exist, "except for" provides a clear and direct way to specify exclusions, ensuring your writing is both accurate and easily understood. Its widespread use across reputable sources underscores its reliability in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apart from

Uses different preposition to indicate exclusion.

with the exception of

A more formal and explicit way of stating an exception.

excluding

A single-word verb form that conveys the same meaning.

save for

A slightly more archaic alternative.

aside from

Similar to "apart from" but with a slightly different nuance.

but for

Implies a condition or dependency.

with the exclusion of

Similar to "with the exception of" but emphasizes exclusion.

barring

A concise, single-word alternative.

not including

Explicitly states what is not being included.

other than

Indicates a difference or alternative.

FAQs

How do I use "except for" in a sentence?

Use "except for" to introduce an exception to a general statement. For example, "Everyone enjoyed the party "except for" John, who had to leave early".

What are some alternatives to "except for"?

Alternatives include "apart from", "aside from", "with the exception of", or "excluding". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "except for"?

While generally correct, "except for" might be less suitable in highly formal contexts where "with the exception of" could be preferred. However, "except for" is widely accepted and rarely considered incorrect.

What's the difference between "except for" and "except"?

"Except" can function as a verb or a conjunction. As a preposition, it generally requires "for" to introduce a specific exception: "Everyone came "except for" Jane." "Except" alone is more common as a conjunction: "I would go, except I'm busy".