except one thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except one thing" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "I like everything about this job, except one thing—the hours are too long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Except one thing nagged at my gut," says Jeff.

Forbes

Nothing on earth would ever make me change my ideas except one thing; and that is, if you will prove to me that our position is wrong, untenable, or lacking in historic fact.

University of California, Berkeley

Everything except one thing.

The New Yorker

Except, one thing: Mr Ellison.

The Guardian

Except one thing -- a sense of shame.

The New York Times

But nothing spoke to him except one thing: asthma prevention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

All of it, that is, except for one thing: A Stinger on the rocks is still my winter drink.

The Washington Post

She likes it though, except for one thing - she has to count on her fingers.

The New Yorker

Except for one thing – the ringmaster, whose server they played on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Except for one thing - Laurie was born blind, unable to see anything except white light.

Huffington Post

Except for one thing, it seems.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except one thing" to introduce a specific detail that contrasts with a preceding general statement, ensuring clarity and focus on the exception.

Common error

Avoid using "except one thing" multiple times within a single, complex sentence. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, consider rephrasing the sentence or using alternative expressions like "with one exception" or "save for" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except one thing" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically to introduce a qualification or exception to a preceding statement. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it serves to highlight a specific detail that stands apart from the general context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "except one thing" serves as a useful transitional phrase to introduce a specific exception or qualification to a preceding general statement. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and academic writing. While versatile, overuse in complex sentences should be avoided for clarity. Alternative phrases such as "with one exception" or "save for" can offer variety. The phrase is generally considered neutral in tone, making it appropriate for diverse writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole exception is...

This alternative is emphatic and emphasizes that there is only one exception.

with one exception

This alternative is more direct and formal, clearly stating the existence of an exception.

apart from that one detail

This alternative is very specific by highlighting the detail which will follow the exception.

however, there's a caveat

This alternative is slightly more formal and highlights a specific condition or limitation.

one issue remains

This alternative highlights the unresolved or problematic aspect of the exception.

but there's a catch

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes a potential drawback.

the only problem is...

This alternative focuses on the negative aspect introduced by the exception.

everything was perfect apart from...

This alternative emphasizes the overall positive situation while introducing the exception.

there's just one snag

This alternative is more colloquial and suggests a minor difficulty or obstacle.

all was well, save for...

This alternative is more literary and introduces a sense of foreboding or minor imperfection.

FAQs

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

You can use "except one thing" to introduce a qualification or exception to a previous statement. For example, "I enjoyed the movie, "except one thing": the ending was abrupt."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "except one thing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "with one exception", "apart from that", or "save for", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "except one thing"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It serves as a transitional phrase to introduce a specific exception or detail that contrasts with a general statement.

When is it appropriate to use "except one thing" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge an overall positive or acceptable situation but need to point out a specific issue or exception. Ensure the exception is significant enough to warrant mentioning.