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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
any combination except for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "any combination except for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying that all combinations are allowed except for certain ones that are explicitly excluded. Example: "You can choose any combination except for the ones that include both red and blue."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
Thus we can say that the non-spatial (mean-field) model allows coexistence for almost any parameter combination, except for the biologically less feasible margins of the parameter plane.
Science
Miscibility was observed for all combinations except for some involving the TMC-PC homopolymer.
Science
Given the measurement time of 20 s, a statistically significant difference could be seen for all combinations except for the two smallest sizes (5 and 10 mm) for T/Bgr = 2 and for the smallest size (5 mm) for T/Bgr = 5.
Science
Additional analyses (Wilcoxon ranksum tests, untabulated) of how the differences in quality assessments of the four international journals on the one hand and the German journals on the other hand differ with respect to the awareness of JOURQUAL show significant differences (at least) at the 10%-level for all combinations except for DBW and TAR/JAE/EAR and ZfbF and JAE/EAR.
Science
Using the ZDV long-term breastfed cohort as the reference (24.5% HIV transmission or death at 18 months), the protective effect of each of the scARV combinations was strong for all combinations except for the ZDV+sdNVP shortened breastfed children, with an adjusted non-significant effectiveness of 32% (0%–60%) just below the significant level.
Science
This combination yields an AUC of 0.93 (highest of all combinations except for T-Tf (WB) where the difference is insignificant), specificity of 87.5% (highest of all combinations), and AIC of 0.7 (lowest of all combinations) (Figure 4, panel A, Table 2).
Science
The sequence of steps was chosen so that all combinations (except for both levels remaining constant) were presented.
Science
Further, the differences in distributions for women and men are statistically significant for all combinations, except for childhood gendered life and adulthood gendered partnership.
Science
The exception to this was the sample from North Wales, as every locus-pair combination (except for the eight comparisons involving Om08) was in significant linkage disequilibrium (P>0.05, k = 36).
Science
On another night, a different filling might include cauliflower and sage, a perfect combination except for the presence of too many white anchovies on one occasion, which made the dish salty.
News & Media
For the methods which belong to the same group, however, the framework does not help design the combination except for the classification.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "any combination except for", ensure the excluded combination is clearly and unambiguously defined to avoid confusion.
Common error
Avoid using "any combination except for" without specifying which combination(s) are being excluded. This can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation.
Source & Trust
67%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "any combination except for" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase. It serves to specify a set of possibilities while explicitly excluding certain elements. Based on Ludwig AI's assessment, it is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
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Formal & Business
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Less common in
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "any combination except for" is a grammatically sound and usable construct in English, designed to express broad inclusion with specific exclusions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. Although no direct examples were found in the provided data, the phrase typically occurs in contexts requiring precision and clarity, such as scientific, technical, or formal communications. When using this phrase, ensure that the excluded combinations are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "any configuration other than" or "all permutations excluding" can offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
any configuration other than
Replaces "combination" with "configuration" and uses "other than" instead of "except for", altering the wording while maintaining the core meaning.
all permutations excluding
Replaces "combination" with "permutations" (emphasizing order) and "except for" with "excluding", providing a slightly more formal tone.
any mixture barring
Substitutes "combination" with "mixture" and "except for" with "barring", offering a less common but equivalent expression.
any grouping save for
Replaces "combination" with "grouping" and "except for" with "save for", which sounds more archaic but retains the meaning.
all arrangements with the exception of
Replaces "any combination" with "all arrangements" and "except for" with "with the exception of", resulting in a more verbose and formal alternative.
any selection apart from
Replaces "combination" with "selection" and "except for" with "apart from", providing a slightly less formal alternative.
every possible set but
Rephrases the entire expression to use "every possible set but", which is simpler but less precise.
any option not including
Replaces "combination" with "option" and uses a negative phrasing "not including" instead of "except for".
any assortment other than
Similar to "any configuration other than", but uses "assortment" instead of "configuration".
all variants excluding
Uses "variants" instead of "combination" and "excluding" as a direct replacement for "except for".
FAQs
How can I rephrase "any combination except for" to sound more formal?
You can use alternatives like "all arrangements with the exception of" or "any configuration other than" to achieve a more formal tone. These options provide a more sophisticated and precise expression of exclusion.
What's a simpler way to say "any combination except for"?
A simpler way to express the same idea is "any option not including" or "every possible set but". These alternatives are less verbose and easier to understand in casual contexts.
Is there a difference between using "except for" versus "excluding" in the phrase "any combination /s/except+for"?
The terms "except for" and "excluding" are largely interchangeable in this context. "Excluding" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but both effectively convey the exclusion of a specific combination.
When is it appropriate to use "any combination except for" in writing?
Use "any combination except for" when you want to indicate that all possible combinations are permissible /s/except+for a specific one or a defined set of them. This is common in scientific papers, technical manuals, and precise instructions where clarity is crucial.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
67%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested