all but one

USAGE SUMMARY

"all but one" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that out of a group of people or things, only one is not included. For example: "I invited all of my friends to the party, all but one of whom I had known for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(b) All but one.

The Economist

All but one failed.

The Guardian

All but one neonate received parenteral nutrition.

American Journal of Infection Control

All but one site exceeded this target.

The Professional Animal Scientist

Check that: all but one.

The New York Times

All but one was beheaded.

The New York Times - Magazine

All but one are women.

The New York Times

All but one, it seems.

The Guardian - Sport

All but one had garages.

The New York Times - Books

He rejected all but one.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Throw out all but one credit card.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all but one", ensure the context clearly defines the group being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "all but one" when the 'all' is not clearly defined or easily understood by the reader, as this can lead to confusion about what is being excluded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all but one" functions as a determiner phrase or quantifier, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that everything or everyone is included except for one specific item or person. Ludwig examples show how the phrase is used to specify a quantity with a single exception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all but one" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that nearly everything or everyone is included, with only a single exception. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, from news and science to academia. While alternatives like "nearly all" or "with one exception" exist, "all but one" strikes a balance between informality and precision. When using this phrase, ensure that the scope of 'all' is clear to avoid any ambiguity. Based on Ludwig's data, "all but one" is a common and accepted way to express near-total inclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything but one

Emphasizes the totality of inclusion before noting the single exclusion, drawing attention to the comprehensive nature of the inclusion.

all with a single exception

Similar meaning, but it is more formal and emphasizes the 'all' more than the exception.

with one exception

Highlights the presence of an exception but frames it as a qualification to a general statement, more formal.

save for one

Indicates an exception by setting it aside, suggesting a sense of deliberate exclusion or consideration.

almost all

Indicates that everything except a very small number is included, implying a near-complete inclusion rather than focusing on the exception.

barring one

Introduces an exception as a condition, creating a more legalistic or formal tone.

excepting one

Highlights the act of excluding a single item, drawing focus to the process of differentiation.

nearly everyone

Focuses on people, implying that the vast majority are included, shifting the emphasis from the exception to the inclusion.

but for one

Implies a conditional exclusion, suggesting that the exception has a significant impact or role in the overall situation.

minus one

Presents the exclusion in a subtractive way, emphasizing the reduction from a complete set.

FAQs

How can I use "all but one" in a sentence?

Use "all but one" to indicate that everyone or everything in a group is included, except for a single entity. For example, "All but one of the team members attended the meeting".

What's a more formal way to say "all but one"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "with one exception" or "save for one".

Is "all but one" grammatically correct?

Yes, "all but one" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal writing, as confirmed by Ludwig.

What alternatives are there for "all but one"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "nearly all", "almost all", or "everything but one", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.