except for a little

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except for a little" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or applicable with the exception of a small amount or minor detail. Example: "The project was successful, except for a little delay in the final phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"It's too hot and too dry" for the fungus to thrive, she said, adding that "except for a little strip, it has not crossed the Mississippi River".

The New York Times - Science

The frequency of such the recombination might be not so frequent as genetic transfer caused by any mobile genomic elements, because SC type were conserved in the same CC except for a little exceptional case so far tested.

Plosone

Not much exercise except for a little intramural ball.

The New York Times - Sports

He seemed to have good health, except for a little diabetes.

The New York Times

I ordered several courses and ate almost nothing, except for a little side of salty cucumbers.

The New Yorker

My mother wasn't getting around much, except for a little shuffling about the apartment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It is so much earlier than I'd thought — 5 11 and nothing to do about it except listen for a little longer, then get up.

The New York Times

Research showed that two-thirds of India's people are vegetarians who have little use for a freezer -- except for storing a little ice cream and a few ice cubes.

The New York Times

Except for being a little short, Foley looks the part of golf guru.

The New York Times - Sports

To my knowledge – brace yourself – zero business gurus in the fields of strategy or innovation had ever subjected their theories to the level of predictive testing we put Christensen's work through (except for, partly, a little work by Eric Von Hippel at MIT in 1976 that, by oddball coincidence, made reminiscent discoveries to what Christensen and I found decades later).

TechCrunch

I woke up feeling GREAT, except for being a little tired.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except for a little" to introduce a minor deviation or qualification to a general statement, ensuring clarity and precision.

Common error

While acceptable, "except for a little" can sound informal in academic or business contexts. Opt for alternatives like "with the exception of a minor detail" for enhanced formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except for a little" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a qualification or exception to a preceding statement. It indicates that something is generally true, but with a minor exclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

24%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "except for a little" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to introduce a minor qualification to a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally correct and usable, though its informality may warrant more formal alternatives in certain contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, the phrase serves to specify limitations and ensure accuracy. While not strictly formal, its consistent use across authoritative sources like The New York Times confirms its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aside from a bit

Changes the preposition and uses "bit" instead of "little".

save for a small detail

Replaces "little" with "small detail" to emphasize the minor nature of the exception.

barring a slight variation

Uses more formal language to indicate a minor deviation.

apart from a minimal aspect

Replaces "little" with "minimal aspect" offering a slightly more formal tone.

but for a minor instance

Emphasizes the insignificance of the exception.

excluding a small quantity

Focuses on the amount that is excluded.

with the exception of a trifle

Uses a more antiquated word, "trifle", to denote something insignificant.

leaving out a touch

Informal alternative emphasizing something missing.

without much exception

Highlights the overall lack of exceptions.

almost entirely

Conveys near completeness.

FAQs

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

Use "except for a little" to introduce a minor exception to a general statement. For example, "The presentation was perfect, "except for a little" nervousness at the beginning".

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

Similar phrases include "aside from a bit", "save for a small detail", or "but for a minor instance".

Is it okay to use "except for a little" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "except for a little" might sound informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "with the exception of" or "apart from" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "except for a little" and "except for a few"?

"Except for a little" refers to a small amount or degree, while "except for a few" refers to a small number of countable items or instances.