except for one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'except for one' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used to refer to a group of items or people, with the implication that all items/people in the group are the same except for one. For example: "We have received orders from all of our customers except for one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Except for one country.

The Washington Post

Except for one student.

The New York Times

Except for one glitch.

The New York Times

Except for one shift.

The New York Times - Sports

All except for one.

The New Yorker

Except for one place: Amsterdam.

The Guardian - Travel

Except for one important difference.

The Guardian - Film

Nobody except for one man.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Except for one slight problem.

The New York Times

Except for one little thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Except for one, that is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except for one" to clearly indicate a single exception within a group or category, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity. For instance, "All students passed the exam, except for one."

Common error

Avoid using "except for one" when the reference group is unclear or undefined. Ensure the context clearly identifies the set from which the exception is being made. Example: Instead of "It was great, except for one," specify, "The event was great, except for one aspect: the sound quality."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except for one" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce an exception to a general statement. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it modifies a preceding clause by indicating that everything mentioned applies, excluding a specific item or individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "except for one" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a single exception within a larger group, as validated by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts and offers a neutral tone suitable for various situations. While alternatives exist, "except for one" clearly and effectively highlights the item or individual that does not conform to the general statement. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and the reference group is well-defined to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

save for one

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of setting something aside or making an exception.

apart from one

Focuses on separation or distinction, similar to "except for one" but can sometimes imply a greater degree of difference.

with the exception of one

A more formal and explicit way of stating an exception, suitable for official or written contexts.

excluding one

Directly indicates the act of leaving something out, emphasizing the exclusion.

barring one

Similar to excluding, but slightly more forceful, indicating that something is prevented or forbidden.

besides one

Indicates that all others are included, differing subtly from "except for one" which focuses on the excluded item.

with one exception

Slightly alters the structure, placing the emphasis on the existence of a single exception.

but for one

Implies that everything would be the same if not for the one exception, adding a sense of conditionality.

other than one

A broader way of stating an exception, which may sometimes imply a greater level of difference.

minus one

A simple and direct way to express a subtraction or exclusion, more common in mathematical or concise contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "except for one" to indicate a single exception within a group. For example, "All the ingredients were fresh, "except for one" spoiled tomato."

What phrases are similar to "except for one"?

Similar phrases include "save for one", "apart from one", or "with the exception of one", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "except one" instead of "except for one"?

While "except one" might be understood, it's less common and can sound awkward. "Except for one" is generally preferred for its clarity and grammatical correctness.

How does the meaning of "except for one" differ from "except for all"?

"Except for one" indicates a single exclusion, whereas "except for all" (which is less common) would logically imply no inclusions. The intended meaning should guide the choice.