save for one

USAGE SUMMARY

"save for one" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that something is true of all members of a group or category except for one. For example: "All of the students passed the exam, save for one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All three discourses also seemed to converge, save for one negation in the print media, on the topic that MPH was overprescribed.

BMC Medical Ethics

Of their seven drama pilots, all of them focus on various crime-solving protagonists, save for one: "Baby Big Shot".

Huffington Post

There's little action and no death, save for one suicide.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I nearly achieved it too, save for one shot.

The Guardian

Today, they tell you to save for one – but not then.

The Guardian - Money

She loved everything about Tredway from the start, she remembers, save for one thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

He would have been a laughable candidate save for one thing: he was rich.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most dishes are built around just two or three ingredients, save for one, an intricate grouse extravaganza.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus is entirely Democrat, save for one member who identifies as an independent.

The Guardian

The ads feature middle-aged men and women talking in a made-up language, save for one word.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Everyone VICE talked to on the side of PEGIDA adamantly denied holding anything that resembles this viewpoint save for one.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "save for one", ensure that the exception is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify which item or individual is the exception.

Common error

Avoid vagueness. If you write, "All the books were interesting, save for one", clarify which book was the exception to maintain clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "save for one" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces an exception to a general statement. It typically modifies a noun phrase or a clause, indicating that everything is true except for one specified item or individual. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "save for one" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that introduces an exception to a general statement. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news articles to scientific publications. Its primary function is to specify an exception while maintaining the overall affirmation. While alternatives like "except for one" exist, "save for one" remains a clear and effective choice. Remember to clearly identify the exception to avoid any ambiguity. With a "Very common" frequency, "save for one" is an expression any English writer can feel confident using.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except for one

Replaces "save" with "except", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly different tone.

with the exception of one

A more formal and explicit way of stating the exception.

with one exception

Uses a noun-based structure to express the same concept of a single exception.

barring one

Substitutes "save" with "barring", providing a more formal alternative.

other than one

Indicates that all are included except for a specific single item.

but for one

Emphasizes the exception by placing "but" at the beginning, highlighting the contrast.

aside from one

Similar to "except for one", but may suggest a slightly more significant exception.

excluding one

Directly indicates that one item is not included in the general statement.

apart from one

Offers a slightly more informal way of indicating an exception.

less one

A concise way of saying that all but one are included.

FAQs

How can I use "save for one" in a sentence?

You can use "save for one" to indicate that all members of a group share a characteristic, except for one specific member. For example: "All the employees attended the meeting, "save for one" who was on vacation."

What phrases are similar to "save for one"?

Similar phrases include "except for one", "with one exception", or "aside from one". These alternatives also introduce a single exception to a general statement.

Is "save for one" formal or informal?

"Save for one" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the overall tone and style of the writing.

What's the difference between "except for one" and "save for one"?

The phrases "except for one" and "save for one" are largely interchangeable and have very similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.