except those that

USAGE SUMMARY

"except those that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of people, animals, or things that are excluded in a particular situation. For example: "Everyone was invited to the party, except those that had already RSVP'ed no."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All DS games are compatible with the DSi, except those that require the GBA slot.

Wikipedia

Level four bans taxis from the city, except those that are hybrid cars.

The Guardian

Officially, the United States welcomes all investments, except those that could compromise national security.

The New York Times

I didn't see a single shot, except those that were in my mind's eye.

The Guardian - Sport

The committee should encourage Congress to abandon all sections of the act except those that strengthen the United Nations sanctions.

The New York Times

We're told that Superman is also completely invulnerable to any attack, except those that are kryptonite-based.

The Guardian - Tech

Most of the cats exposed to the rocket fuel went into seizures, except those that had received brain wave training.

The New York Times - Health

He held that all ideas (except those that are "trifling") can be explained in terms of experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He cauterized the trunk at two points, over the second and third ribs, destroying all the facial branches except those that lead to the eye.

The New Yorker

On Tuesday morning, the city government ordered all restaurants, except those that serve take-out food, closed until May 6 to large gatherings of people.

The New York Times - Health

To simplify their position, it is that wildlife control experts like Mr. Dreisacker should not kill any bats, except those that must be tested for rabies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "except those that" to clearly specify exclusions within a broader statement or rule. Ensure the clause following "that" is grammatically correct and provides a precise condition for the exclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "which" instead of "that" when defining the excluded group, as "that" is generally preferred for restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence. "Which" should only be employed if the clause provides additional non-essential information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except those that" functions as a relative clause introducing an exception. As supported by Ludwig AI, it specifies a subset of items or individuals that are excluded from a broader statement or rule. It adds precision by defining the specific conditions for the exclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "except those that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a relative clause introducing an exception. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase. It is most common in news, scientific, and encyclopedic writing, providing a clear and precise way to specify exclusions from a general rule or statement. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the clause following "that" is grammatically correct and accurately defines the conditions for exclusion. Avoiding common errors, such as using "which" instead of "that" in restrictive clauses, will further enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excluding those that

Replaces "except" with "excluding", emphasizing the act of leaving something out.

but not those that

Simple and direct, useful for clarifying what is not included.

other than those that

A straightforward alternative, suitable for most contexts.

apart from those that

Similar to "except", but can imply a physical separation or distinction.

with the exception of those that

Adds formality by using "with the exception of", highlighting the specific items not included.

excluding any that

Focuses on explicitly removing items from consideration.

save for those that

More literary and less common, suggesting a reservation or special case.

with the omission of those that

Formal and precise, emphasizing the act of leaving something out.

barring those that

Implies a prohibition or obstacle, making it a stronger form of exclusion.

neglecting those that

Suggests a deliberate disregard for certain items.

FAQs

How can I use "except those that" in a sentence?

Use "except those that" to specify exclusions from a general statement. For instance, "All students passed the exam, "except those that" did not submit their assignments".

What are some alternatives to "except those that"?

You can use phrases like "excluding those that", "apart from those that", or "with the exception of those that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "except those which" instead of "except those that"?

While "except those which" might be acceptable in some contexts, ""except those that"" is generally preferred, especially in restrictive clauses that define the exclusion.

What's the difference between "except those that" and "except for those that"?

"Except those that" directly excludes items matching a description, while "except for those that" can sometimes imply a more general exception but is often less precise. Using "except those that" is usually clearer.