barring

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "barring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a restriction or exception, or to state that something is being prevented or avoided. Example sentence: "Barring any unforeseen delays, we should arrive in time for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Barring a mass loss of form the top two will come from the four teams within two points of each other at the summit – Middlesbrough, Bournemouth, Norwich City and Watford – while Brentford, Derby, Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers fight for play-off places.

The Guardian - Sport

In the meantime, barring a breakthrough in the coming days, "the whole operation may be shutdown regardless" as the May 31 deadline looms closer.

The Guardian

Clinton, who retired earlier this year as secretary of state, has not yet said whether she intends to run in 2016 but all the signs indicate that she will, barring an unforeseen event such as a health scare.

The Guardian

Matthaus's searching centre from the right found him in space in the penalty area with only Goycochea barring the way, but the sweeper's first touch was poor and enabled the goalkeeper to avert the danger with his legs, over which Augenthaler then threw himself, vainly appealing for a penalty.

The Guardian - Sport

Expect Liam Bridcutt, recently arrived from Brighton and a midfield anchor Sunderland's manager does trust, to start Saturday's vital home game against Crystal Palace and, barring injury, hold his place.

The Guardian - Sport

The cuts proposed by officials at the Department for Work and Pensions include abolishing statutory maternity pay and barring under-25s from claiming incapacity benefit or housing benefit.

The Guardian

Because the young people in question were either residents or friends of residents, barring access to the estate through the use of gates did not seem sensible.

The Guardian

For many girls the lack of privacy, safety and proper facilities are barring them from an education.

The Guardian

Gay marriage is currently illegal in all Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries (barring South Africa); liberal western democracies notable for not having passed equal marriage legislation include Germany, Italy, Australia and the US, where gay marriage is considered a state issue and is still prohibited in 13 of the country's 50 states.

The Guardian

It is an unavoidable truth that, barring terrible luck or a sudden domestic rupture, the older your friends get, the less they need.

The Guardian - Opinion

It means that Stokes is certain, barring injury, to play in the rest of the series, presumably at No6 – as England's solitary centurion so far perhaps he can choose whichever slot he likes.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barring", ensure the exception or condition is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example: "Barring unforeseen circumstances, we will proceed as planned."

Common error

Avoid using "barring" without clearly defining what is being excluded. Vague exceptions can create confusion. Instead of saying "Barring issues, the project will succeed", specify what those issues might be: "Barring technical or logistical issues, the project will succeed".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "barring" is that of a preposition, introducing a condition or exception. It sets a boundary or limitation, indicating what must not occur for the main clause to hold true, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "barring" functions as a preposition used to introduce an exception or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While it maintains a neutral register appropriate for many contexts, including news and media, more formal options such as "excepting" or "excluding" may be preferred in certain professional settings. When using "barring", clarity is key; ensure the exception is explicitly stated. Its frequency is very common in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unless

A more concise way of expressing a condition that prevents something from happening.

with the exception of

Highlights that something is not included in a general statement.

excepting if

Replaces "barring" with a more explicit conditional exception.

save for

Introduces a specific exception to a general statement.

aside from

Similar to "except for", but can also mean "in addition to" depending on context. Requires more context to avoid ambiguity.

excluding the possibility of

More formal phrasing that highlights the removal of a potential outcome.

leaving out

Highlights the action of omitting something from consideration.

but for

Emphasizes the causal relationship where the absence of something leads to a different result.

not counting

Excludes something from a total or consideration.

without

Indicates the absence of something as a condition.

FAQs

How do I use "barring" in a sentence?

"Barring" is used to introduce an exception or condition that would prevent something from happening. For example, "Barring any further delays, we expect to finish on time."

What can I say instead of "barring"?

Alternatives to "barring" include "unless", "except for", or "with the exception of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "barring" formal or informal?

"Barring" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "excluding" might be preferable in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "barring" and "including"?

"Barring" introduces an exception, while "including" adds to a list or category. "Barring rain, we'll have the picnic" means the picnic is off if it rains. "Including drinks, the picnic will cost $50" means the total cost accounts for drinks.