ENGLISH
REFERENCE

except for

prep. phr..
A2 Elementary Oxford

prep. phr.. This phrase introduces the only thing or person that is not included in a general statement.

prep. phr.. A complex preposition used to introduce an exception to a preceding generalization.


SIMPLE

Everyone is here except for Tom.

CONTEXTUAL

The museum is open every day of the week except for Mondays.

COMPLEX

The manuscript was complete in every detail except for a single, puzzling annotation that contradicted the author's thesis.

Usage

This phrase is followed by the noun or noun phrase that represents the exception.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'apart from', which is a close synonym but can also mean 'in addition to' in some contexts, whereas 'except for' is purely exclusive.

Pitfall

I like all vegetables except for I don't like carrots.I like all vegetables except for carrots.'Except for' must be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause.

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