"except" vs "except for"

Question

"except" vs "except for"

Both 'except' and 'except for' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Except' is used before a noun or pronoun to introduce the only thing or person that is not included in a general statement. 'Except for' is used before a noun or pronoun to introduce the only thing or person that is included in a general statement.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Use 'except' before a noun or pronoun to introduce the only thing or person that is not included in a general statement. It is often used to indicate an exclusion.

Examples:

I like all fruits except bananas.
Everyone is here except John.

Alternatives:

excluding
apart from
other than
but
save

Use 'except for' before a noun or pronoun to introduce the only thing or person that is included in a general statement. It is often used to indicate an exception.

Examples:

I like all fruits except for bananas.
Everyone is here except for John.

Alternatives:

apart from
other than
but
save

Answer 1

except

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

except for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"except" vs "except for"

except

except for

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