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English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Except in--prepositions as objects

Is it common for prepositions to be objects/to function as nouns?

This is not permitted except in exceptional circumstances.

That sort of language is not allowed except in less formal situations.

I thought that perhaps 'except in' was a fixed phrase and what followed was in fact the object, but I couldn't find 'except in' in any dictionary.

Thanks
  

Top answer

I don't think the underlined parts are functioning as nouns. I suppose they're adverbial, showing under what circumstances the thing is allowed/permitted. "

— Mr Wordy

  • I don't think the underlined parts are functioning as nouns.
  • I suppose they're adverbial, showing under what circumstances the thing is allowed/permitted.
  • "
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3 Answers
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I don't think the underlined parts are functioning as nouns. I suppose they're adverbial, showing under what circumstances the thing is allowed/permitted. There's nothing special about "in", so I wouldn't expect to find "except in" listed separately in dictionaries:

"Parking is allowed except on Tuesdays."

"I can't sleep except at night."
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But if expect is a preposition then the words that follow must be functioning as a noun (object of preposition)... So are you suggesting expect is not a preposition?
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Here is one of the definitions of except (not 'expect') as a conjunction:

otherwise than; but (fol. by an adv., phrase, or clause): 'well
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