except each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that all parties involved are excluded from a particular action or situation, except for one another. Example: "Everyone was invited to the party, except each other, as they had a prior engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It was at this point an officer warned me that those men, despite already being in the HSU, had been categorised as "exceptional risk" prisoners and were not allowed to mix with anyone except each other.

Independent

They hate everything and everyone except each other.

The Guardian

The poor are pretty well hidden from everyone except each other in the United States.

The New York Times

As long as they each behave like the other gender, and have sex with anyone except each other.

The New York Times - Style

These were coveted jobs, but over time they had become so dangerous that Othman and Laith could talk candidly about their lives with no one except each other.

The New Yorker

All relationships are built upon trust, yet in recent years we have seen a collapse in trust in brands, politicians, institutions, the media... and pretty much everything except each other.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Neither of the Lutyenses put themselves out or suffered during the first world war, except at each other's hands.

The Guardian - Books

Those were the days when, coming back with a date and before going into the dorm, we could stroll through the park with no concern except for each other.

The New York Times

Except for each other, Powell's unnamed conversationalists are "essentially alone" and "so d'accordo" in outlook and voice as to be, by the reckoning of one (or the other), "arguably indistinct".

The New York Times - Books

The Peshmerga have not done much fighting since 1991, except with each other during the Kurdish civil wars, and even in the 1980s their speciality was rural guerrilla warfare, wearing the enemy down with pinprick attacks by 15 to 20 fighters.

Independent

As a result, there are few things for the slightly sloshed skier to actually run into, except for each other.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "except each other", ensure the context clearly establishes who 'each other' refers to. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "except each other" when the action or condition doesn't involve a reciprocal relationship. The phrase implies a mutual exclusion, so ensure the context supports this interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except each other" acts as a prepositional phrase that modifies a preceding clause, specifying an exception to a general statement. It is used to indicate that a particular group is excluded from an action or condition that applies to others, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "except each other" is a prepositional phrase used to denote a mutual exclusion within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and indicates it commonly appears in news and media contexts. While relatively uncommon, its usage is straightforward: ensure the context involves a reciprocal relationship to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "excluding one another" for clarity or emphasis. The phrase serves to define the limits of a condition or action, emphasizing what is not shared within a particular group. When writing, it's crucial to be aware of its nuanced meaning and avoid using it when the context doesn't support the idea of mutual exclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excluding one another

Focuses more directly on the act of excluding, with 'one another' highlighting the reciprocal relationship.

but not among themselves

Emphasizes the idea that the exception applies specifically within the group itself.

save for themselves

'Save for' is a more formal way of saying 'except for', indicating an exemption for the group.

with the exclusion of each other

Highlights the act of excluding as the main focus, adding a degree of formality.

apart from themselves

Indicates a separation or distinction of the group from others, rather than direct exclusion.

other than themselves

A more roundabout way of saying the same thing, adding a slight emphasis on difference.

not including each other

Directly states the non-inclusion of the group in a particular action or situation.

omitting themselves

Focuses on the act of leaving themselves out, implying a conscious choice.

besides themselves

States that other things are considered, but not the people in question.

leaving each other out

Focuses on action of deliberately excluding the group from something

FAQs

How can I use "except each other" in a sentence?

You can use "except each other" to indicate that a group is excluded from something while everyone else is included. For example, "Everyone was invited to the conference, "except each other", due to a scheduling conflict".

What's a simpler way to express "except each other"?

Alternatives include phrases like "excluding one another" or "but not among themselves". For instance, "They share everything, "excluding one another's" personal secrets".

Is it correct to say "except to each other"?

While grammatically understandable, "except to each other" is not a standard construction. "Except each other" is the more common and idiomatic way to express the intended meaning.

What's the nuance between "except each other" and "except themselves"?

"Except each other" implies a mutual relationship or action between members of a group. "Except themselves" simply excludes a group from an action without necessarily implying a relationship between group members.