except when

USAGE SUMMARY

'except when' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'except when' to introduce an exception to a general statement. For example: "Clients must receive a monthly report, except when the project is on hold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Except when they don't.

The New York Times

Except when it's terrible.

The New York Times

Except when he didn't.

The New York Times - Sports

(Except when it's not.

The New York Times - Magazine

Except when it doesn't.

The New York Times

Except when he is.

The New York Times - Sports

Except when it isn't.

The New York Times - Books

(Except when it didn't).

The New York Times - Books

Except when they are not.

The New York Times

Except when the system works.

The New York Times

Except when it is not.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "except when", consider whether a more precise term like "unless" or "excluding" might be more appropriate for the context.

Common error

Avoid using "except when" in situations where a simple "but" or a more direct contrast would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound cumbersome. Make sure the condition after "except when" brings value to the main statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except when" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that specifies an exception to the main statement. It sets a temporal condition under which the main clause does not apply. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "except when" is a versatile conjunction used to introduce exceptions to general statements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Arts, and Opinion pieces, indicating its use across various registers. While highly common, it's important to use "except when" judiciously, ensuring it adds value to the sentence. Alternatives include "unless", "excluding", and "apart from when", each offering subtle nuances in meaning. By understanding its function and potential substitutes, you can use "except when" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excluding when

Substitutes "except" with "excluding", focusing on the act of leaving something out.

other than when

Similar to "apart from when", but slightly more common in everyday speech.

apart from when

Replaces "except" with "apart from", offering a slightly more formal tone.

aside from when

Replaces "except" with "aside from", maintaining a similar meaning and level of formality.

unless it is when

Rephrases "except when" using "unless it is", adding a bit more emphasis on the conditional aspect.

save for when

Uses "save for" instead of "except", providing a more literary or old-fashioned feel.

barring when

Uses "barring" to introduce the exception, providing a slightly stronger sense of exclusion.

with the exception of when

Offers a more formal and explicit way of stating an exception.

but when

Simplifies the phrase to "but when", suitable for informal contexts.

if not when

Expresses a condition in terms of time. This is different from "except when" which establishes an exception.

FAQs

How do I use "except when" in a sentence?

Use "except when" to introduce a specific exception to a general statement. For example, "The library is open every day, "except when" it's a public holiday".

What can I say instead of "except when"?

You can use alternatives like "unless", "excluding", or "apart from when" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "except when"?

While grammatically correct, "except when" can be misused if the exception is already implied or if a simpler construction would be clearer. Avoid overuse in favor of more direct language.

What's the difference between "except when" and "unless"?

"Except when" introduces a specific instance that doesn't follow a general rule, while "unless" introduces a condition that, if not met, causes a different outcome. They are sometimes interchangeable but "unless" sets a broader condition.