except even that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except even that" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context where you want to emphasize an exception to a previously stated idea, but it is not commonly used. Example: "I thought I had everything figured out, except even that one detail slipped my mind."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Except even that is in doubt.

The New York Times - Books

Except even that debate isn't as simple as people assume.

The Guardian

Except, even that is a flawed way of looking at the electoral map.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Except the house – and even that isn't strictly true.

The Guardian - Opinion

Recycling carrier bags was our Toytown salvation, except it wasn't, and even that isn't fun anymore.

The Guardian - Opinion

But listeners followed every moment of Sarah Koenig's first season of Serial partially because it showed the view of the case from nearly every possible point of view (except that of Jay, but even that was later provided to the Intercept).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Really, like pickles, pies and cakes, there is no bad coffee (except probably instant coffee? But even that has its uses).. Below, you'll find my ranking of the best coffee drinks, in order from worst to best.

Huffington Post

I will eat almost anything except human babies, and, honestly, even that would be negotiable were I on the verge of starvation and they were, of course, braised in enough butter.

Vice

Except, of course, even that definition is up for dispute.

The Guardian - Books

The COPD cohort had greater pain-related utilization than any other chronic condition except OA/RA, and even in that comparison, COPD had substantially more hospitalizations and inpatient cost.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Except even then, it is not all that interesting.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except even that" to introduce a nuanced exception, particularly when the initial exception might seem definitive but has its own limitations. This adds layers of complexity to your argument or statement.

Common error

Avoid using "except even that" when a simpler phrase like "except for that" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound convoluted and less clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except even that" functions as a conjunctive phrase, introducing a qualification or exception to a previous statement. It adds a layer of complexity by suggesting that the exception itself might have limitations. Ludwig shows it is not so common in writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "except even that" serves to introduce a nuanced exception or qualification. Ludwig AI indicates that it is acceptable but uncommon. It is mostly found in news and media contexts and, while grammatically sound, it's advisable to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives like "except for that" when clarity is paramount. Overuse may lead to convoluted sentences, diminishing the impact of your writing. Consider this expression if you want to show a sophisticated argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except for that

More common and direct way to indicate an exception.

aside from that

Simple and direct way to indicate an exception.

apart from that

Similar to "aside from that", indicating an exception.

except in that case

Specifies that the exception applies to a particular scenario.

except under those circumstances

Formal alternative, highlighting specific conditions for the exception.

but even then

Indicates a limitation even under the specified condition.

but even with that

Emphasizes a contrast even considering a particular factor.

however, even so

More formal transition, showing contrast despite a prior statement.

notwithstanding that

Highly formal and less common way to express an exception.

save for that

Archaic but similar in meaning to "except for that".

FAQs

How can I use "except even that" in a sentence?

You can use "except even that" to introduce a further exception or qualification to a previous statement. For example, "The plan was perfect, except even that the weather could change unexpectedly."

What can I say instead of "except even that"?

You can use alternatives like "except for that", "aside from that", or "apart from that" depending on the context.

Is "except even that" grammatically correct?

While not the most common phrasing, "except even that" is grammatically acceptable, though it can sometimes sound awkward. Consider rephrasing for clarity if possible.

When should I avoid using "except even that"?

Avoid using "except even that" in formal writing or when simplicity is preferred. Simpler alternatives like "except for that" are generally clearer.