barring one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barring one" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an exception to a general statement or situation, meaning "except for one." Example: "All the participants arrived on time, barring one who got stuck in traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

China also stepped up pressure on the North by barring one of the 31 ships on its transport ministry's blacklist.

The Guardian

Andros Townsend offered a few flickers of encouragement and Joe Hart, barring one moment of near-embarrassment, can reflect on a restorative performance, but it is difficult to be too positive when the opposition goalkeeper walks off the pitch at the final whistle without a mark on his kit.

The Guardian - Sport

We have beaten all of the top teams in our division barring one or two.

The Guardian - Sport

Barring one jarringly intense lesbian scene, Chloe is forgettable – and also deeply incoherent.

The Guardian - Film

The cruise will continue as planned, barring one port missed because of the emergency.

The Guardian

Its entire Washington DC office, barring one staffer, decamped, taking Heartland's biggest project, involving the insurance industry, with them.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Gandalf vs. Dumbledore, no holds barred, one on one.

The New York Times

But an N.H.L. regulation barring one-eyed players for safety and insurance reasons blocked Neeld from joining the Sabres.

The New York Times - Sports

All bar one have been released on police bail until 23 June.

The Guardian

All operators bar one, Bharti Airtel, make weak returns on capital in India.

The Economist

In every photograph bar one, of course.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barring one" to concisely indicate a single exception to a general statement, adding a touch of formality. For example, "All the committee members agreed, barring one dissenting voice."

Common error

Avoid using "barring one" when there are multiple exceptions; use "barring a few" or "with a few exceptions" instead to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barring one" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces an exception to a general statement. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates something is excluded from an otherwise comprehensive claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Sports

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barring one" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a single exception to a general statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its frequent occurrence across various reputable sources such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and scientific publications demonstrates its widespread acceptability and utility. While suitable for neutral to formal contexts, it's essential to ensure it accurately reflects only one exception. Alternatives like "except for one" offer simpler, less formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except for one

Replaces "barring" with a more common and direct synonym, simplifying the phrase.

with one exception

A more concise way of stating "with the exception of one".

with the exception of one

Adds formality and emphasizes the singularity of the exception.

save for one

Offers a slightly more literary or archaic alternative to "except for".

excluding one

Focuses on the act of excluding a single item from a group.

apart from one

Indicates that all but one item are included or affected.

aside from one

Similar to "apart from one", but can also imply a minor exception.

but for one

Highlights the conditional nature of the statement, emphasizing what would be true if not for the single exception.

omitting one

Emphasizes the act of leaving out one specific item or case.

leaving out one

Similar to "omitting one", but slightly more informal.

FAQs

How can I use "barring one" in a sentence?

Use "barring one" to indicate a single exception to a general statement. For example, "All the systems are functioning correctly, "barring one" minor software glitch".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "barring one"?

Similar phrases include "except for one", "with the exception of one", or "aside from one", all of which indicate a single exclusion.

Is "barring one" formal or informal?

"Barring one" is generally considered somewhat formal but acceptable in most writing contexts. It is more formal than alternatives like "except for one".

When should I not use "barring one"?

Avoid using "barring one" when there are multiple exceptions or when the exception is insignificant. In such cases, consider alternatives like "with a few exceptions" or simply omitting the minor detail.