except for this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except for this" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing that there are general trends or ideas observed in a situation, but one instance is not in line with them. For example: "Everyone in my family likes to take the train, except for this one time when my dad drove us to the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Except for this one".

The New York Times

Except for this.

The New York Times - Books

Except for this one night.

The Guardian

Except for this one, though.

The Guardian - Books

(Pause) Well except for this woman last week.

The New York Times

Except for this list of writing rules.

The New Yorker

Except for this: It never happened.

The Washington Post

"I don't have anything except for this.

The New York Times - Sports

Except for this: Is it a good idea?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Except for this week this weekk, I had forgotten.

The New York Times

Each year it's grown and changed except for this year, when it didn't.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except for this" to clearly signal a deviation from a general statement or expectation. This helps in precise communication and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "except for this" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "with the exception of this" or "notwithstanding this" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except for this" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adjunct to qualify or limit a statement. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "except for this" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce an exception or qualification to a general statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for most situations, consider more formal alternatives like "with the exception of this" in formal writing. Remember to use it to provide clarity and precision, signaling deviations from general trends or expectations. Avoid overusing the expression in formal pieces.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aside from this

This alternative is a synonym that emphasizes the exclusion of something.

apart from this

This alternative is very similar, highlighting the separateness of the exception.

with the exception of this

This phrase is more formal and explicit in stating the exception.

save for this

This is a more concise and slightly less common way to express the exception.

but for this

This option is frequently used to express that if it wasn't for something, something else would happen.

excluding this

This alternative puts emphasis on the act of exclusion.

not counting this

This option is less formal and more conversational.

this notwithstanding

This is a more formal and literary way to introduce the exception.

with this caveat

This introduces the exception as a specific condition or warning.

barring this

This is a more forceful way to express the exception, implying it's the only thing preventing something.

FAQs

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

Use "except for this" to indicate an exception to a general statement, for example: "I enjoy all kinds of fruit, "except for this" one which is too sour."

What phrases are similar to "except for this"?

Similar phrases include "apart from this", "aside from this", and "with the exception of this".

Is it appropriate to start a sentence with "except for this"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "except for this" can sound informal. Consider rephrasing for a smoother flow in formal writing. For example, instead of saying "Except for this, the project was a success", try "With this one exception, the project was a success".

What's the difference between "except for this" and "besides this"?

"Except for this" indicates an exclusion, while "besides this" adds additional information. For example, "Everyone enjoyed the movie, "except for this" one scene I found boring" excludes that scene. "Besides this, the movie had great special effects" adds information about the special effects.