except for a single

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except for a single" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that all items or instances are included in a statement, with the exception of one specific item or instance. Example: "All the participants were present, except for a single individual who was unable to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The walls are bare except for a single decorative plate.

The Guardian - Books

Jack had maintained all A's, except for a single B-plus in a math class.

The Washington Post

Then you couldn't smoke anywhere except for a single "smoking" room, which was always crammed.

The Guardian

The table was bare except for a single folded sheet of paper in front of Malone.

The New Yorker

The hall was nearly dark, except for a single spotlight on the pianist.

The New York Times - Arts

Except for a single thatched structure, a shop flanked by tightly boarded up rooms.

The Guardian

All are in Bridgewater itself except for a single primary school.

The New York Times

At Holecek's home, a bedroom wall was wiped clean of its decor except for a single wooden cross.

The Washington Post

At that time, you could smoke anywhere, except for a single "non-smoking" room, which nobody ever went into.

The Guardian

Worse, the flight was full except for a single first-class seat, priced at a terrifying $2,200, one-way.

The New York Times

They started well but except for a single 15-minute spell they showed little sign of breaking QPR's resistance.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except for a single" when you want to specifically emphasize that only one item or instance is different from the rest. This highlights the uniqueness of that particular element.

Common error

Avoid using "except for a single" when a simpler phrase like "except for" or "excluding" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily wordy. For example, instead of "all the books are new, except for a single one", try "all the books are new, except for one".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except for a single" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces an exception to a general statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to single out one particular item or instance as being different from the rest of the group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "except for a single" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase used to introduce a specific exception to a general statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness across various contexts. While alternatives like "apart from one" or "aside from one" exist, "except for a single" provides emphasis on the singularity of the exception. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic writing, maintaining a neutral register suitable for broad application. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in cases where simpler alternatives are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apart from one

Emphasizes separation or distinction of one element.

aside from one

Similar to "apart from", but may imply a less significant exception.

other than one

A general way to indicate something different or separate.

with the exception of one

More formal and explicitly indicates an exception.

excluding one

Directly states that one item is not included.

save for one

Slightly archaic, but conveys a sense of sparing or reserving one item.

barring one

Indicates that something is prevented or excluded.

but for one

Highlights the condition that if not for one thing, the situation would be different.

less one

Brief and mathematically inclined way of expressing exclusion.

minus one

Like "less one", suggests a subtraction or removal of one item.

FAQs

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

The phrase "except for a single" is used to indicate that everything in a group is a certain way, with only one exception. For example, "All the students passed the exam, "except for a single" student who was absent".

What's the difference between "except for a single" and "except for one"?

The phrases are very similar. "Except for one" is slightly more concise and generally preferred in informal contexts. "Except for a single" emphasizes the singularity of the exception. The best option depends on the tone and emphasis you want to convey.

What can I say instead of "except for a single"?

You can use alternatives like "apart from one", "aside from one", or "with the exception of one" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "except for a single" or can I sometimes just use "except for"?

If you're referring to one specific item or instance, using "except for a single" can add emphasis. However, if the number of exceptions is clear from context, simply using "except for" is often sufficient and more concise.