Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
except for a minimal
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "except for a minimal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is excluded from a general statement or condition, specifically referring to a small or insignificant amount. Example: "The project was successful except for a minimal delay in the final phase."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
He did not develop any toxic effect or serious complication during the therapy except for a minimal elevation of liver enzymes.
Science
As shown in Figure 1C, HHT did not induce cell death by itself, except for a minimal increase in A818-4 and Pt45P1 cells at 24 h (the longest incubation time).
The expected age-related decrease in eGFR over time was seen for participants with type 1 diabetes and nondiabetic participants, except for a minimal increase in eGFR for nondiabetic participants using the CKD-EPI combined equation.
Science
Several works on whole exome/genome sequencing of LCLs/blood were all in agreement that the great majority of variants found in paired samples is shared (99% at least) [ 23- 25], except for a minimal percentage of de novo variants, also found in low-passages LCLs [ 24].
Science
In order to achieve a comparable baseline assessment of proteinuria and GFR prior to initiation of one of the novel therapies, the patients will be taken off all immunosuppressive medications including corticosteroids (except for a minimal daily or alternate-day dosage to control edema if clinically indicated) for 30 days.
Science
Although using a substantially smaller number of observations, the models using only level I geocoding and level I and II geocoding produced very similar coefficients and model fit compared with the model using levels I III geocoding, except for a minimal difference for some county-specific dummies.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
You can also turn captions off for a minimal view.
News & Media
Ask for a minimal excision.
Wiki
Argentina could not have asked for anything more, except for a goal and some minimal marking on the Germans' too-easy score.
News & Media
Well preserved, except for some minimal restoration at the very top, the still life made £108,000, two and a half times the upper end of the estimate.
News & Media
The minimal and maximal balloon volumes during end-inspiratory occlusion were significantly larger than those during end-expiratory occlusion, except for the minimal volume in Cooper catheter.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "except for a minimal" to precisely indicate that an exception exists, but it is so small that it barely affects the overall statement.
Common error
Avoid using "except for a minimal" when the exception significantly alters the main point. If the exception has a noteworthy impact, use stronger phrasing to reflect its true importance.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "except for a minimal" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a qualification or exception to a preceding statement. It serves to limit the scope of the statement, indicating that it is true in most cases, barring a small or insignificant deviation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as usable and correct.
Frequent in
Science
57%
News & Media
29%
Wiki
14%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "except for a minimal" serves as a qualifier, denoting a small exception to a general statement. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and utility across diverse contexts, predominantly within scientific and news-related domains. While not ubiquitous, its precise nature makes it suitable for scenarios where acknowledging minor deviations is crucial without overshadowing the core message. Alternatives such as "apart from a slight" or "aside from a negligible" offer similar nuances, with the choice contingent on the intended degree of emphasis on the exception's insignificance. Overall, the effectiveness lies in its capacity to refine statements without compromising their overall validity.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
apart from a slight
Emphasizes the small nature of the exception by using "slight" instead of "minimal".
aside from a negligible
Highlights the insignificance of the exception by using "negligible".
save for a trivial
Indicates that the exception is unimportant or easily disregarded by using "trivial".
but for a small
Uses "but for" to express the exception, emphasizing the limiting aspect of the exception but is semantically very close to QUERY.
excluding a minor
Replaces "except" with "excluding" and "minimal" with "minor", focusing on the act of excluding the exception.
barring a modest
Uses "barring" to introduce the exception, implying a slightly more significant, though still small, exception with "modest".
with the exception of a minute
Formal phrasing to indicate that the exception is extremely small, with 'minute' replacing 'minimal'.
other than a scant
Uses "scant" to describe the exception, emphasizing its limited quantity or extent.
outside of a fractional
Suggests that the exception is a tiny fraction or percentage, highlighting its relative size.
leaving out a marginal
Focuses on the act of leaving something out, framing the exception as something removed or disregarded because it's marginal.
FAQs
What does "except for a minimal" mean?
The phrase "except for a minimal" means that something is mostly true or complete, with only a very small or insignificant exception. It suggests that the exception does not substantially change the overall statement.
How can I use "except for a minimal" in a sentence?
Use "except for a minimal" to introduce a minor exception after making a general statement. For example: "The project was completed on time, "except for a minimal" delay in the final phase."
What are some alternatives to "except for a minimal"?
You can use alternatives such as "apart from a slight", "aside from a negligible", or "save for a trivial" depending on the nuance you want to convey.
When is it appropriate to use "except for a minimal"?
It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge an exception but emphasize that it is so small it doesn't significantly change the overall meaning. If the exception is more significant, a stronger phrase should be used.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested