except that it explains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except that it explains" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a clarification or exception to a previous statement, indicating that while something may be true, there is an additional detail that provides further understanding. Example: "The theory is generally accepted, except that it explains only a portion of the observed phenomena."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I won't say what happened to Jacky, which is shown in a sickening flashback midway through the film, except that it explains his behavior and has a deepening metaphorical resonance as the story continues.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

None of this would seem to matter except that it might explain why a sexy harem-pants dancer suddenly appears as part of the entertainment in Act III.

The New York Times - Arts

That's how I see it too, and I'm almost embarrassed to talk about it here, except that it helps explain why I felt such companionship with the author.

The Guardian - Books

It explains almost everything about our favorite quirky power forward-center hybrid -- everything, that is, except that birthday cake.

Huffington Post

Except that doesn't explain why the first back-up was fast, but copying over existing files brought everything to a halt.

Huffington Post

And, to be honest, it's not much of a meeting, except that Papa Skywalker explains to Luke that Luke has a sister named Nellith that Papa Skywalker hid in another part of the galaxy.

Huffington Post

It might almost be romantic, except that previous lyrics had explained where it could lead: "Capture my heart and destroy me/Destroy my mind and my body".

The New York Times - Arts

Well, that explains it.

The New York Times

Oh, that explains it.

The New York Times - Books

That is, no further variability (except for that explained by the population size of the cities) is required to describe heterogeneity among cities properly.

BMC Public Health

Rabinowitch [ 13] reported a case of internal resorption in which nothing in the patient's history, except bruxism that could explain the phenomenon.

BMC Oral Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except that it explains" to introduce a clarifying point that might seem contradictory at first glance. This helps to guide the reader through potentially confusing information.

Common error

Avoid using "except that it explains" in overly simple sentences where a more direct conjunction like "but" or "because" would suffice. This can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except that it explains" functions as a conjunction, linking two clauses where the second clause provides an explanation that contrasts with or qualifies the first. Ludwig confirms its usability, showing it as a way to introduce a clarifying point.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "except that it explains" is a conjunction phrase used to introduce a clarifying explanation that contrasts with a preceding statement. Ludwig shows that the phrase is grammatically correct, though rare in usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, use "except that it explains" to introduce a clarifying point when direct connections such as 'but' or 'because' do not suffice. Overusing this phrase may lead to unnecessarily verbose writing, so choose it judiciously. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase serves to enhance clarity by providing additional information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but it clarifies

Replaces "except that" with "but", offering a more direct contrast while maintaining the explanatory function.

though it clarifies

Similar to "but it clarifies", but "though" introduces a slightly softer contrast.

however it elucidates

"However" offers a more formal contrast, and "elucidates" provides a stronger emphasis on clarification.

yet it justifies

"Yet" introduces a contrast, and "justifies" implies a stronger reason or validation.

nevertheless it accounts for

"Nevertheless" adds formality, and "accounts for" suggests a comprehensive explanation.

still it rationalizes

"Still" presents a milder contrast, while "rationalizes" implies making something understandable or acceptable.

even so it illuminates

"Even so" offers a subtle contrast, and "illuminates" suggests bringing light or clarity to a subject.

despite that it details

"Despite that" introduces a contrast despite a prior statement, and "details" suggests providing more information.

in spite of that it unravels

"In spite of that" emphasizes a contrast, and "unravels" implies revealing a more complex explanation.

notwithstanding it clarifies

"Notwithstanding" is a formal way to introduce a contrast, while "clarifies" maintains the explanatory function.

FAQs

How can I use "except that it explains" in a sentence?

You can use "except that it explains" to introduce a clause that provides an explanation for a seemingly contradictory or unexpected situation. For example: "The data seemed inconsistent, "except that it explains" a previously unknown correlation".

What's the difference between "except that it explains" and "but it explains"?

"Except that it explains" implies a slight surprise or contradiction that is then resolved by the explanation, whereas "but it explains" is a more direct contrast. The former is suitable when you want to highlight an unexpected clarification.

Are there more formal alternatives to "except that it explains"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include phrases like "however it elucidates", "nevertheless it accounts for", or "notwithstanding it clarifies". These options are better suited for academic or professional writing.

When should I avoid using "except that it explains"?

Avoid using "except that it explains" in very simple sentences where a simpler conjunction like "because" or "since" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound convoluted. Ensure that the explanation truly provides significant clarification.