except of course

USAGE SUMMARY

"except of course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement in a sentence. Example: "I love all kinds of food, except of course for seafood, which I am allergic to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Except, of course, the shareholders.

The New York Times

Except, of course, for Lavin.

The New York Times - Sports

Except, of course, Dr Schön.

The Economist

Except, of course, there is.

The New Yorker

Except, of course, his own.

The New York Times - Magazine

Except, of course, on "24".

The New York Times - Arts

Except, of course, it can't.

The New York Times - Arts

Except, of course it hasn't.

Independent

Except, of course, probably not.

The New York Times - Magazine

Except, of course, Bill Clinton.

The Economist

Except, of course, that one.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except of course" to introduce a slightly unexpected or ironic contrast. It works best when the exception is somewhat obvious or already implied in the context.

Common error

While "except of course" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "with the exception of" or "excluding" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

Except of course functions as a conjunctive phrase, typically introducing an exception or qualification to a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It serves to signal a contrast or limitation, often implying the exception is somewhat apparent or understood within the given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "except of course" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to introduce exceptions or qualifications to a preceding statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. While suitable for neutral and informal settings, alternatives like "with the exception of" might be more appropriate for formal writing. Remember to use it when the exception is somewhat obvious or implied. Overusing it can lead to redundancy, so vary your language with alternatives like "save for" or "apart from".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the exception of

Formally specifies what is excluded.

but naturally

Emphasizes the obviousness of the exception.

apart from

Indicates a separation or divergence.

aside from

Similar to 'apart from', but can imply a minor exception.

save for

Introduces an exception or exclusion.

other than

Indicates a difference or alternative.

excluding

Directly omits something from consideration.

barring

Specifies a condition that prevents something.

but then again

Introduces a contrasting point for reconsideration.

however

Simply introduces a contrast.

FAQs

How do I use "except of course" in a sentence?

"Except of course" introduces a qualification or contrast to a previous statement. For example, "I enjoy all sports, "except of course" golf."

What's a more formal alternative to "except of course"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "with the exception of" or "excluding" for a more professional tone.

Is it correct to use "except of course" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "except of course" is less common and may sound informal. It's typically used mid-sentence to introduce a contrast.

What's the difference between "except of course" and "except that"?

"Except of course" implies the exception is somewhat obvious or expected, while "except that" introduces a more specific condition or deviation from a general rule. For example, "I like all fruits, "except of course" citrus" versus "I'd go to the party, "except that" I have work."