key term - Except

Definition

Except is a preposition and conjunction used to indicate exclusion, meaning 'not including' or 'other than.' It can also function as a verb meaning 'to leave out' or 'to exclude.' Understanding the nuances of 'except' is essential for clarity in writing, particularly in distinguishing it from similar terms that might cause confusion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Except' can be used in various grammatical structures, often causing confusion with 'accept' due to their similar pronunciations.
2. 'Except' typically precedes nouns or noun phrases, while 'except for' introduces exceptions more explicitly.
3. In legal and formal writing, using 'except' correctly is crucial to avoid misunderstandings about what is included or excluded.
4. 'Except' can also appear in negative constructions, such as 'I don't like any fruit except apples,' emphasizing what is not included.
5. When used as a conjunction, 'except' links clauses, showing contrast between them, such as in 'Everyone came except John.'

Review Questions

• How does the word 'except' differ in usage from the word 'accept' in sentences?
  • 'Except' indicates exclusion while 'accept' signifies receiving or agreeing to something. For example, in the sentence 'Everyone accepted the invitation except John,' 'except' clearly shows that John did not receive the invitation. Understanding this distinction is important to convey the intended meaning accurately and avoid confusion.
• In what scenarios might using the phrase 'except for' provide greater clarity compared to simply using 'except'?
  • 'Except for' is often more precise and clarifies what specifically is being excluded within a broader statement. For instance, saying 'Everyone was invited except for the staff members' explicitly identifies which group is excluded. In contrast, just saying 'Everyone was invited except the staff' could lead to ambiguity about the context. Therefore, choosing between these phrases can impact clarity.
• Evaluate the importance of correctly using 'except' in formal writing, especially in legal contexts.
  • In formal writing, particularly legal contexts, using 'except' accurately is crucial because any ambiguity could lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of obligations and rights. For instance, if a legal document states that all parties are liable except those specifically mentioned, a failure to specify can result in disputes about who is included or excluded. Therefore, precise language in using 'except' not only maintains clarity but also protects parties involved from potential legal issues.

Related terms

accept: 'Accept' is a verb meaning to receive or agree to something, contrasting with 'except,' which indicates exclusion.

except for: 'Except for' is a phrase that clarifies what is excluded in a more specific context, often introducing an exception within a broader statement.

exempt: 'Exempt' is an adjective or verb that means free from an obligation or duty, which can relate to the idea of exclusion as well.