except

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "except" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a phrase or clause that contrasts with the main clause in a sentence. For example: Everyone was happy with the outcome of the game except for Sarah, who felt disappointed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scheduled to make the 1,492km 9277 miles) journey every day except Christmas Day, the A320 plane has seen passengers delayed for as little as two minutes and as long as 12 hours and 18 minutes.

The Guardian - Money

Nobel, a wealthy Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite, provided few directions for how to select winners, except that the prize committees should reward those who "have conferred the greatest benefit to mankind".

The Guardian

All content is editorially independent except for pieces labelled 'brought to you by'.

The Guardian

Except this one.

The Guardian

"You cheerfully break every rule of the theatre that I was brought up to believe in, except the cardinal one of never boring for a split-second".

The Economist

Next, for all anybody knows, it'll be Google, removing all of the internet except for a Google map of your nearest polling station.

The Guardian

Under the ban, fox hunts can do everything except hunt foxes.

The Guardian

The film is correct that Disney gave Travers script approval; it was apparently the only time he had ever granted this right to anyone outside his company, except for government censors during the second world war.

The Guardian - Film

Except that's not going to happen while so many industries are based here and so many sandwich shops and dry-cleaners and wine bars are reliant on their custom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only their most fanatical followers would make any claim to merit on behalf of a winning team who were clearly second-best in everything except the matter of producing a legitimate goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Calle Isaac Peral 1 Taberna la Manzanilla, Cádiz At first glance it looks like a farmacia … except that all the medicine in the dark old cabinets is manzanilla sherry.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "except", ensure the clause following it clearly defines the exception to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "except" when multiple exceptions exist. Instead, use "excluding", "besides" or enumerate all exceptions clearly.

Linguistic Context

The word "except" functions as a preposition, conjunction, or verb, depending on the context. As a preposition and conjunction, it introduces an exclusion to a statement. Ludwig confirms that "except" is correct and usable in written English, effectively introducing contrasting phrases or clauses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "except" is a versatile word functioning as a preposition, conjunction, or verb to introduce exclusions or qualifications to statements. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "except" maintains a neutral register suitable across various forms of communication. When writing, it's best practice to ensure the exception is clearly defined, while avoiding its misuse with multiple exceptions. Alternatives like "excluding" or "apart from" can offer similar meanings with slight contextual variations. Its frequent and varied usage makes "except" a key word for expressing exceptions precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the exception of

More formal and explicitly states that something is being excepted.

other than

States a clear difference or alternative.

apart from

Indicates that something is separate or not included.

aside from

Similar to 'apart from', but can also imply a minor or irrelevant exception.

excluding

Focuses directly on the act of leaving something out.

barring

Implies a condition that prevents something unless specified.

but for

Highlights the condition that makes something different.

save for

A more literary or old-fashioned way of saying 'except for'.

excluding the possibility of

More explicit and detailed about what is not included.

short of

Suggests a limit or boundary that isn't reached.

FAQs

How to use "except" in a sentence?

"Except" is used to introduce an exclusion or exception to a general statement. For example, "I enjoy all fruits "except apples"".

What can I say instead of "except"?

You can use alternatives like "excluding", "apart from", or "with the exception of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "except for" or just "except"?

Both "except" and "except for" are correct, but "except" is generally more concise. "Except for" might be preferred when the exception needs greater emphasis.

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

"Except" introduces an exclusion, while "unless" introduces a condition. "Everyone came "except John"" means John didn't come. "I won't go "unless John goes"" means I will only go if John goes.