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except for
/ɪkˈsɛpt fɔːr/
excluding
Everyone was invited except for John.
John was the only person not invited.
general
excluding or not including someone or something
The store is open every day except for Sundays.
The store is closed on Sundays.
She loves all animals except for snakes.
She dislikes snakes but likes other animals.
Often used to specify exclusions in a general statement.
Collocations
except for the fact thatbut for the fact thatexcept for a fewwith only a small number of exceptions
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Except for' is often used to specify exclusions in general statements.
Gold Rule
Correct Usage
Use 'except for' to exclude specific items or people from a general statement.
Word Origin
Combination of 'except' (from Latin 'exceptus', past participle of 'excipere' meaning 'to take out') and 'for' (preposition indicating purpose or exclusion).
Usage Notes
Can be used to exclude people, things, or circumstances. Often followed by a noun or clause.
Word Breakdown
except
excluding
prepositionfor
indicating purpose or exclusion
prepositionEnglish Dictionary