except for a short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except for a short" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an exclusion or exception regarding a brief duration or length of something. Example: "The meeting was productive, except for a short delay at the beginning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, except for a short period, I have been unable to secure a part-time position.

The New York Times

Except for a short trip to visit friends in Baltimore, the family stayed in New York City.

The New York Times

The pound, except for a short period after the banking crisis, has been systematically overvalued for a generation.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pipeline is largely complete except for a short segment that is planned to pass beneath a Missouri river reservoir.

The Guardian

Except for a short trip to Hungary, Dr. Piatetski-Shapiro was not allowed to leave the Soviet Union.

The New York Times - Science

Except for a short period, the prince did not see his father until he was 14 years of age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We count moose all day, except for a short break to look for the Chippewa Harbor wolf pack.

The New York Times

Except for a short intermission (1194 98), the reigning Babenberg thereafter ruled both duchies, Austria and Steiermark.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Warden sold out and moved on, and the name Wardenclyffe was quickly jettisoned, except for a short street named Wardencliff Road.

The New York Times

Except for a short phone conversation with Allan Houston during training camp, Ewing has not spoken to his former Knicks teammates since the trade.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a vertigo characteristic of Marías's mature writing, which is always fronted by a male narrator (except for a short story in When I Was Mortal ).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except for a short" to clearly delineate minor exceptions or brief interruptions within a broader context, ensuring precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "except for a short" repetitively in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "aside from a brief" or "other than a brief" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except for a short" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing an exception or qualification to a statement. It modifies the clause it precedes, indicating something is generally true unless a brief instance interferes. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly appears in various contexts to provide clarity and precision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "except for a short" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce brief exceptions or qualifications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across varied contexts like News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While its frequency makes it a useful tool for precise writing, it's advisable to avoid overuse by employing alternatives such as "aside from a brief". Overall, mastering its application enhances clarity and accuracy in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the exception of a brief

Replaces 'except for' with 'with the exception of', maintaining the same meaning but with a more formal tone.

other than a brief

Replaces 'except for' with 'other than', providing a more explicit and somewhat formal alternative.

aside from a short

Substitutes 'except for' with 'aside from', offering a slightly more casual alternative.

apart from a brief

Similar to 'aside from', 'apart from' provides another informal substitute for 'except for'.

save for a short

Uses 'save for' in place of 'except for', offering a slightly more archaic or formal alternative.

excluding a brief

Replaces the entire phrase with a participle construction, focusing on the act of exclusion.

barring a short

Similar to 'excluding', 'barring' emphasizes the act of preventing or prohibiting.

but for a brief

Uses 'but for' to express the exception, changing the sentence structure slightly.

besides a short

Offers a more casual alternative, similar to 'aside from' and 'apart from'.

without a long

Uses a negative construction to express a condition where something is not long or extended.

FAQs

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

Use "except for a short" to indicate a brief exception to a general statement. For instance, "The project was completed on time, "except for a short" delay caused by a power outage."

What are some alternatives to "except for a short"?

Alternatives include "aside from a brief", "apart from a brief", or "other than a short". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is it better to say "except for a short time" or "except for a short period"?

Both "except for a short time" and "except for a short period" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis. "Time" might be preferred for more immediate durations, while "period" could suit longer or more defined intervals.

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

"Except for a short" refers to a brief duration or length, while "except for a few" indicates a small number of items or instances. For example, "The meeting was productive, "except for a short" delay," versus "All students passed the test, "except for a few"."