Usage Differences: ‘Except’ Versus ‘Except For

‘Except’ and ‘except for’ are both conjunctions that are used to show an exception to a rule or situation. However, there are some differences in their usage and meaning.

‘Except’ is a conjunction that is used to indicate that something is not included in a particular group, category, or statement.

It is usually followed by a noun or pronoun that represents the thing that is being excluded.

‘Except for’ is a conjunction that is used to introduce a clause that states an exception to something that has been previously mentioned. I

t is usually followed by a noun phrase, a pronoun, or a clause.

Both ‘except’ and ‘except for’ can be used to express negative information in a sentence.

They are important words to know in order to effectively communicate exceptions or exclusions in writing and speaking.

In this article, we’ll discuss more about it so let’s begin!

Meaning And Definition Of ‘Except’

‘Except’ is a conjunction that is used to indicate that something or someone is not included in a particular group, category, or statement. It is used to show an exception to a general rule or situation.

For example:

• Everyone is going to the party except for John.
• I eat everything except for mushrooms.
• We accept all major credit cards except for American Express.

In each of these examples, ‘except’ is used to indicate that there is an exclusion or exception to what is being discussed.

‘Except’ can also be used as a preposition, meaning with the exclusion of, or apart from. For example, “I like all the colors except purple.”

In this sentence, ‘except’ is used as a preposition to indicate that the speaker likes all colors except for purple.

Overall, ‘except’ is used to show that something or someone is excluded or not included in a generalization or statement.

Usage And Examples Of ‘Except’

Here are some common uses of ‘except’ with examples:

1. To show an exception to a general statement or rule:

• I don’t eat meat, except for fish.
• Everyone passed the test except for Sarah.

2. To indicate an exclusion:

• All members of the team will go, except for Jane.
• We’re open every day except for Christmas Day.

3. To introduce a clause that contradicts a previous statement:

• I’ve never been to Europe, except when I studied abroad in Spain.
• She never eats fast food, except for when she’s on a road trip.

4. To indicate that there are no exceptions:

• Everyone is expected to attend the meeting, with no exceptions.
• This sale includes all items, except that marked clearance.

Overall, ‘except’ is used to show that something or someone is excluded or not included in a generalization or statement. It is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts to express exceptions.

Meaning and Definition of ‘Except For’

‘Except for’ is a conjunction that is used to introduce a clause that states an exception to something that has been previously mentioned. It is used to show an exception or exclusion to a specific situation or rule.

For example:

• I have visited every state in the U.S. except for Hawaii.
• Everyone was invited to the party except for the neighbors next door.
• I like all fruits except for bananas.

In each of these examples, ‘except for’ is used to introduce a clause that indicates an exception to what was previously mentioned.

‘Except for’ can also be used as a preposition, meaning with the exception of.

For example, “The restaurant is open every day except for Sundays.”

In this sentence, ‘except for’ is used as a preposition to indicate that the restaurant is closed only on Sundays.

Overall, ‘except for’ is used to indicate an exception or exclusion to a specific situation or rule, and is usually followed by a noun phrase, a pronoun, or a clause.

Usage and Examples of ‘Except For’

Here are some common uses of ‘except for’ with examples:

1. To show an exception to a specific situation or rule:

• I would have loved the movie, except for the ending.
• Everyone was on time for the meeting, except for John.

2. To introduce a clause that contradicts a previous statement:

• I’ve been to every continent, except for Antarctica.
• She’s tried every flavor, except for the spicy one.

3. To indicate an exclusion:

• All of the cookies were eaten, except for the oatmeal raisin ones.
• I like all types of music, except for heavy metal.

4. To specify the only exception:

• The store is open every day except for Christmas Day.
• The party was open to everyone, except for children under 18.

Overall, ‘except for’ is used to introduce a clause that indicates an exception or exclusion to a specific situation or rule, and is usually followed by a noun phrase, a pronoun, or a clause.

Key Differences between ‘Except’ and ‘Except For’

Here are the key differences between ‘except’ and ‘except for in the form of a table:

	‘Except’	‘Except For’
Meaning	Indicates that something/someone is not included	Introduces a clause that indicates an exception or exclusion
Usage	To show an exception to a general rule/situation	To show an exception to a specific situation or rule
Followed by	A noun or pronoun representing the thing being excluded	A noun phrase, pronoun, or clause indicating the exception
Example	Everyone is going to the party except for John.	Everyone was invited to the party except for the neighbors.
Example	I eat everything except for mushrooms.	I have visited every state except Hawaii.

Overall, ‘except’ is used to indicate that something or someone is excluded or not included in a generalization or statement, while ‘except for’ is used to introduce a clause that indicates an exception or exclusion to a specific situation or rule.

When to Use ‘Except’ and When to Use ‘Except For’

The choice between using ‘except’ or ‘except for’ depends on the context and what you are trying to convey.

Here are some general guidelines to help you choose which word to use:

Use ‘except’:

• To show an exception to a general rule or situation.
• When the thing being excluded is a noun or pronoun.

Examples:

• I eat everything except meat. (general rule)
• Everyone in the class passed the test except Sarah. (general situation)
• I brought everything to the party except the cake. (noun)

Use ‘except for:

• To show an exception to a specific situation or rule.
• When the thing being excluded is a noun phrase, pronoun, or clause.

Examples:

• I have visited every continent except for Antarctica. (specific location)
• All of the students were on time except for John. (specific person)
• The store is open every day except for Sundays. (specific day)

Keep in mind that there is some overlap between the two, and in some cases, either word can be used.

However, ‘except for’ tends to be more specific and emphasizes a particular exception, while ‘except’ is more general and covers a broader range of exclusions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with ‘Except’ and ‘Except For’

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using ‘except’ and ‘except for:

1. Using ‘except’ when ‘except for’ is needed: ‘Except’ should be used to show an exception to a general rule or situation, while ‘except for’ should be used to show an exception to a specific situation or rule. Make sure to choose the right one for the context.
2. Using ‘except for’ when ‘except’ is needed: Conversely, using ‘except for’ when ‘except’ is more appropriate can also lead to confusion. Use ‘except’ when you want to exclude a noun or pronoun, or when the exception is general in nature.
3. Placing the exception in the wrong part of the sentence: Make sure to place the exception in the correct part of the sentence. If you are using ‘except’, the noun or pronoun being excluded should come after the word. If you are using ‘except for’, the exception clause should come after the noun phrase, pronoun, or clause.
4. Using the wrong form of the verb after ‘except’: The verb that follows ‘except’ should be in its base form, without any conjugation or tense. For example, “I go everyday to office except Saturday’s.” (not ‘excepted’).
5. Using ‘except’ or ‘except for’ when ‘besides’ or ‘apart from’ is more appropriate: ‘Besides’ and ‘apart from’ can also be used to indicate exceptions or exclusions. Make sure to choose the word that best fits the context.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can use ‘except’ and ‘except for’ more effectively and clearly in your writing and speech.

FAQs:

Can ‘except’ be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, ‘except’ can be used at the beginning of a sentence to indicate an exception or exclusion. For example, “Except for John, everyone in the class passed the test.”

Is ‘except’ a conjunction or a preposition?

‘Except’ can function as both a conjunction and a preposition. As a conjunction, it joins two clauses, and as a preposition, it introduces a noun phrase or pronoun representing the thing being excluded.

Can ‘except for’ be replaced with ‘excluding’?

Yes, ‘except for’ can be replaced with ‘excluding’ in many cases. For example, “I like all fruits, excluding bananas” can also be expressed as “I like all fruits, except for bananas.”

Is there a difference in meaning between ‘except’ and ‘excluding’?

Generally, ‘except’ and ‘excluding’ have similar meanings and can be used interchangeably in many cases. However, ‘except’ can also be used as a conjunction, while ‘excluding’ cannot.

Can ‘except for’ be used to mean ‘thanks to’?

No, ‘except for’ cannot be used to mean ‘thanks to’. ‘Except for’ is used to indicate an exception or exclusion, while ‘thanks to’ is used to indicate a cause or reason for something.

Conclusion:

• ‘Except’ and ‘except for’ are two words that are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings and usage.
• ‘Except’ is used to indicate that something or someone is excluded or not included in a generalization or statement, while ‘except for’ is used to introduce a clause that indicates an exception or exclusion to a specific situation or rule.
• The choice between using ‘except’ or ‘except for’ depends on the context and what you are trying to convey.
• It’s important to avoid common mistakes, such as using the wrong word or placing the exception in the wrong part of the sentence, to ensure clarity in communication.

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