except for a certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except for a certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate an exception to a general statement or rule, often followed by a specific noun or category. Example: "Everyone was invited to the party, except for a certain few who had prior commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

We all wore them except for a certain classmate, who didn't need the accessory.

Princeton University

Except for a certain high-sheen exquisiteness thinness, the lipstick she looked like a regular college student.

The New Yorker

Except for a certain high-sheen exquisiteness — thinness, the lipstick — she looked like a regular college student.

The New Yorker

In some cases, this sweater remains virtually unchanged since the days of Big Bill Tilden (except for a certain small, ubiquitous reptile insignia).

The New York Times - Style

All, that is, except for a certain cringing homunculus, who carried on like Duse over the prospect of being in the woods among Lyme ticks and poison oak.

The New Yorker

Its frescoes were painted a half-century later, mostly by anonymous masters, except for a certain Marcu, who inscribed his name to the left of the entrance.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But crucially, although near-apocalyptic from the inside, this transformation is barely perceptible to the observer – except for, perhaps, a certain withdrawnness, or increased anger and irritability.

The Guardian - Opinion

A two-tailed P value of less than 0.05 was considered a significant level except for where a certain P value has been given.

Critical Care

"Contract bar" -- holds that petitions for a decertification election cannot be filed during the first three (3) years of a collective bargaining agreement, except for during a certain 30-day "window period".

WikiHow

Except, it turns out, for a certain group of plaintiffs' lawyers who, despite the relative ease of using the claims facility, is insisting on pursuing litigation against BP.

The New York Times

Last month, a bill was introduced to the West Virginia State Legislature that would make photographing a corpse a misdemeanor offense "except for certain legitimate purposes".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except for a certain" to introduce a specific exception to a general rule or statement. This helps in making your writing more precise and avoiding overgeneralizations.

Common error

Avoid using "except for a certain" when a more specific qualifier would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying "all the students passed, except for a certain few", specify the number or reason if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except for a certain" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces an exception to a general statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "except for a certain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that introduces a specific exception to a general statement. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness. It functions to provide clarity and precision in writing. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to ensure that the exception is specified with enough detail to avoid vagueness. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker, indicating its widespread acceptance. Alternative phrases, such as "aside from a particular" or "apart from a specific", can be used to add variety to your writing. Overall, it’s a useful phrase for adding nuance and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apart from a specific

Replaces "except" with "apart", emphasizing separation. "Specific" narrows the focus more than "certain".

aside from a particular

"Aside from" is used in place of "except" to show an exception. "Particular" indicates an even more individual item.

with the exception of a unique

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the uniqueness of the exception.

excluding a specific

"Excluding" directly indicates what is being left out, focusing on the act of omission.

save for a singular

"Save for" is a slightly archaic but similar way of saying "except for". "Singular" highlights the single nature of the exception.

but for a distinct

"But for" is a conditional phrase suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship, with the exception being the condition.

other than a precise

"Other than" means "except", and "precise" stresses the accuracy of the excluded item.

notwithstanding a notable

A formal phrase indicating that the following exception does not negate the general statement.

barring a unique

"Barring" is a direct way of stating an exclusion, similar to "excluding".

leaving out a special

Explicitly states that something is being left out or omitted. The adjective 'special' adds particularity to the exception.

FAQs

How can I use "except for a certain" in a sentence?

Use "except for a certain" to introduce an exception to a general statement. For instance, "All the books were available, "except for a certain" rare edition".

What phrases are similar to "except for a certain"?

Similar phrases include "aside from a particular", "apart from a specific", or "with the exception of a unique".

Is it formal or informal to use "except for a certain"?

"Except for a certain" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider alternatives like "notwithstanding a notable" for added precision.

When should I avoid using "except for a certain"?

Avoid using "except for a certain" when you can provide a more specific and clear exception. For example, instead of "Everyone enjoyed the trip, "except for a certain" few", specify "except for those who experienced seasickness".