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Yoko Posted 22 years ago
Grammar
'except' and 'except for'
Hi all,
I am a Japanese and not a native speaker of English.
I have a question about usage of these words.
After looking them into in some dictionaries, I have found that I can use both 'except' and 'except for' as prepositions.
And then, I picked up some examples.
1.'I wouldn't have accepted anything except a job in Europe ...'
2.'I don't take any drugs whatever, aspirin for colds ...'
3.'Children who take exams early will be allowed to drop a subject except in the case of maths, English and science.'
4.'Our group except me was admitted to the bar.'
5.'He hadn't eaten a thing except for one forkful of salad ...'
6.'Everyone was late, except for Richard.'
Though I collected some examples, I don't understand in what kind of cases I should use 'except', not 'except for'.
To tell the truth, I asked a native English speaker this question, but he just said, "It depends on the sense as a native".
Please tell me the difference of the usage.
Thanks,
Yoko
I am a Japanese and not a native speaker of English.
I have a question about usage of these words.
After looking them into in some dictionaries, I have found that I can use both 'except' and 'except for' as prepositions.
And then, I picked up some examples.
1.'I wouldn't have accepted anything except a job in Europe ...'
2.'I don't take any drugs whatever, aspirin for colds ...'
3.'Children who take exams early will be allowed to drop a subject except in the case of maths, English and science.'
4.'Our group except me was admitted to the bar.'
5.'He hadn't eaten a thing except for one forkful of salad ...'
6.'Everyone was late, except for Richard.'
Though I collected some examples, I don't understand in what kind of cases I should use 'except', not 'except for'.
To tell the truth, I asked a native English speaker this question, but he just said, "It depends on the sense as a native".
Please tell me the difference of the usage.
Thanks,
Yoko
Top answer
Hi Yoko, Nice to meet you. ' But please note that the example I have given doesn't really 'flow'well. Also note that in most (if not all) cases 'for' is unnecessary.
- Hi Yoko, Nice to meet you.
- ' But please note that the example I have given doesn't really 'flow'well.
- Also note that in most (if not all) cases 'for' is unnecessary.
- Maybe there are others out there better at grammar than I who would like to comment.
- I hope this helps.
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22 Answers
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Hi Yoko,
Nice to meet you.
In answer to your question, I think they are interchangeable - unless there is already another preposition following 'except' (as in your example 3)
3.'Children who take exams early will be allowed to drop a subject except in the case of maths, English and science.'
ALTERNATIVE;
3.'Children who take exams early will be allowed to drop
Nice to meet you.
In answer to your question, I think they are interchangeable - unless there is already another preposition following 'except' (as in your example 3)
3.'Children who take exams early will be allowed to drop a subject except in the case of maths, English and science.'
ALTERNATIVE;
3.'Children who take exams early will be allowed to drop
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Hello Mike,
Thank you for advising as to the usage.
I live in Fukushima prefecture and go to an certain English school.
This topic was discussed in my class, of course involving a native teacher, but we couldn't find a specific answer.
I will share your idea with my classmates.
I'm really thankful to you, but let me ask you again to understand properly.
Thank you for advising as to the usage.
I live in Fukushima prefecture and go to an certain English school.
This topic was discussed in my class, of course involving a native teacher, but we couldn't find a specific answer.
I will share your idea with my classmates.
I'm really thankful to you, but let me ask you again to understand properly.
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I would suggest that 4 sounds clumsy.
Perhaps All but me were accepted..........
A suggestion
Perhaps All but me were accepted..........
A suggestion
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Hi Yoko,
Well done ... you found a good example in which they are NOT interchangeable!! So please do not be too quick to share my (flawed) theory with your classmates!!
I think "the bus was empty except for me' may actually be wrong too.
Maybe it should be "The bus was empty, apart from me".
I have a feeling there may also be considerable differences in usage o
Well done ... you found a good example in which they are NOT interchangeable!! So please do not be too quick to share my (flawed) theory with your classmates!!
I think "the bus was empty except for me' may actually be wrong too.
Maybe it should be "The bus was empty, apart from me".
I have a feeling there may also be considerable differences in usage o
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Hello,
Thank you for your replies, Mike and David!
I know that languages are always changing, and there might be some theories,
so I'm really looking forward to replies from lots of people, regardless of their native languages.
Please tell me a variety of the cases, usages, and interpretations.
I also continue to search it by using books, googling up, aski
Thank you for your replies, Mike and David!
I know that languages are always changing, and there might be some theories,
so I'm really looking forward to replies from lots of people, regardless of their native languages.
Please tell me a variety of the cases, usages, and interpretations.
I also continue to search it by using books, googling up, aski
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Hi Yoko,
After some investigation I was able to get some good advice.
..........................................................................................................................................
'Curious T' wrote;
Since I'm not a native speaker, I have to rely on what I've read or what I've been told somewhere. But this might work for you.
After some investigation I was able to get some good advice.
..........................................................................................................................................
'Curious T' wrote;
Since I'm not a native speaker, I have to rely on what I've read or what I've been told somewhere. But this might work for you.
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Hello again, Mike,
I've known your site, and I even have been a registered member!
I got curious about what the
I've known your site, and I even have been a registered member!
I got curious about what the
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Mike,
I've just found out from your website that you are from Australia. So Aussies use "Cheers" too? Do you find Australian English closer to British English or American English or neither?
CuriousT
I've just found out from your website that you are from Australia. So Aussies use "Cheers" too? Do you find Australian English closer to British English or American English or neither?
CuriousT
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Hi Curious T,
Sorry for the delay.
The English used in Australia has traditionally been almost identical to British English, but is changing - as is British English. I American movies, T.V. shows etc. are affecting everyones English to one extent or another.
Sorry for the delay.
The English used in Australia has traditionally been almost identical to British English, but is changing - as is British English. I American movies, T.V. shows etc. are affecting everyones English to one extent or another.
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In answer to your question,
'Everyone was gone except for me' and 'everyone was gone except me' both sound O.K. to me.
By the way, what style of English do you reckon you use Curious? (whatever it is, it is good!!!)
'Everyone was gone except for me' and 'everyone was gone except me' both sound O.K. to me.
By the way, what style of English do you reckon you use Curious? (whatever it is, it is good!!!)
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