except if told differently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except if told differently" is not standard in written English; it would be more appropriate to say "unless told otherwise." You can use it when indicating that a condition applies unless a different instruction is provided.
Example: "The meeting will be held at 10 AM, except if told differently."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Libya, the story was told differently.

The New York Times

How could it have been told differently?

Forbes

Sometimes, they are just told differently.

Huffington Post

'And he didn't know either,' she says 'If he told you differently, he's lying.

The Guardian - Film

You have every right to stand there, and if anyone tells you differently, tell them your rights".

The New York Times

"What happens in 2024 is anyone's guess — and if anyone tells you differently, they're lying," says political science professor Davis Logsdon of the University of Minnesota.

The New Yorker

If anyone tells you differently, they're lying.

Forbes

If someone tells you differently, he or she lies.

WikiHow

Most clinometers suggest you stand about 66 feet (20.12 meters) from the building, but check yours to see if it tells you differently.

WikiHow

"If you see an elephant, it's probably an ostrich .Rory Stewart's tale is told very differently.

The Economist

Commander Bailey, Shurvon's advocate, told things differently.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, consider using more common alternatives like "unless instructed otherwise" or "unless stated otherwise" especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "except if told differently" when a simpler, more direct phrase like "unless otherwise specified" will do. Overly literal translations can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except if told differently" functions as a conditional exception, indicating that a statement or instruction holds true unless there is a specific deviation communicated. Ludwig AI notes that the phrase is not standard in written English, suggesting more common alternatives exist.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "except if told differently" conveys a conditional exception, indicating a rule applies unless modified by specific communication. While understandable, it's not the most standard phrasing and is considered acceptable, but not ideal, according to Ludwig AI. Its frequency is rare, and it's used across various contexts such as Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business settings. For enhanced clarity and formality, consider using alternatives like "unless instructed otherwise" or "unless stated otherwise", especially in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unless instructed otherwise

Replaces "told differently" with a more formal and common phrase.

unless otherwise directed

Similar to "unless instructed otherwise" but with a slightly different nuance.

unless stated otherwise

Focuses on a written or formal communication of a different instruction.

unless notified to the contrary

More formal and emphasizes the act of being officially informed.

barring any contrary instructions

Uses a more complex grammatical structure with "barring".

save when informed of a change

Highlights the condition of being informed about an alteration.

except when notified of another arrangement

More specific about a different arrangement being communicated.

unless a different order is given

Specifies that the change comes in the form of an order.

apart from cases where informed of a variant

Uses a more elaborate construction, emphasizing exceptions.

excluding changes communicated subsequently

Focuses on subsequent communication altering the initial instruction.

FAQs

What does "except if told differently" mean?

It means that a certain rule or instruction applies, "unless instructed otherwise". It indicates that there might be an exception if you receive different directions.

Is "except if told differently" grammatically correct?

While understandable, it's not the most standard phrasing. Alternatives like "unless stated otherwise" or "unless instructed otherwise" are generally preferred.

How can I use "except if told differently" in a sentence?

Example: "The meeting will be held at 10 AM, "unless told otherwise"." This means the meeting is at 10 AM unless you receive a different time.

What are some alternatives to "except if told differently"?

Common alternatives include "unless instructed otherwise", "unless stated otherwise", or "unless otherwise specified". The best choice depends on the context.