except
gb/ɪksˈɛpt/ us/ɪksˈɛpt/
A2
English
~ 1100
Senses
0 senses
preposition
A2
relation
1
not including something
Used to say that a person or thing is not included in a group or idea.
Usage pattern:
[statement] except [something/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'except' with 'besides'. 'Except' means 'not including', while 'besides' means 'in addition to'.
Synonyms
excluding (More formal; often used in official or academic contexts.)
Antonyms
including (Indicates that something is part of the group rather than excluded.)
Collocations
except for
|everyone except
|all except
|nothing except
Themes
grammar
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Everyone except John agreed to the plan.
- The store is open every day except Sunday.
- I like all fruits except bananas.
- She answered all the questions except the last one.
Learner examples
- I go to school every day except Sunday.
- He likes all sports except football.
- We eat everything except fish.
- They work every day except Monday.
conjunction
B1
relation
2
but; other than
Used to say 'but' when adding something that changes or limits what was just said.
Usage pattern:
[statement] except (that) [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners may omit 'that' incorrectly in formal writing when using 'except that'. In speech, omitting 'that' is common and acceptable.
Synonyms
but (More general contrast; 'except' specifically signals an exception.)
Antonyms
and (Adds without limiting, opposite of introducing an exception.)
Collocations
except that
|except when
|except if
Themes
grammar
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I would have gone, except I was feeling sick.
- The movie was good, except that it was too long.
- He’s fine, except when he runs too much.
- It’s ready, except we need more chairs.
Learner examples
- I like the food, except it is too salty.
- She is nice, except she talks a lot.
- We can go, except it may rain.
- He works hard, except on weekends.
Verb
formal
C1
action
3
to exclude from a rule
To not include someone or something when making a rule or statement.
Usage pattern:
to except [someone/something] from [rule/requirement]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse the verb 'except' with the preposition form; as a verb, it is rare and formal.
Synonyms
exempt ('Exempt' often refers to freeing from an obligation; 'except' is more about exclusion from a category.)
Antonyms
include (Means to make part of the group or rule.)
Collocations
expressly excepted
|excepted from
|specifically excepted
Themes
law
|rules
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The law does not except anyone from its penalties.
- Children are excepted from this requirement.
- This clause excepts certain items from taxation.
Learner examples
- The rule will not except any student.
- Children are excepted from paying the fee.
- This law excepts small businesses from tax.
Grammar
Dictionary form
except
IPA
GB/ɪksˈɛpt/
US/ɪksˈɛpt/
Syllables & stress
ex - cept (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cept)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: except
- 3rd Person Singular: excepts
- Present Participle: excepting
- Past: excepted
Word family
Forms
excepts
verb
excepting
verb
excepted
verb
Core family
exception
noun B1
Related words
exceptional
adjective B2
exceptionally
adverb B1
Negative and opposite forms
unexceptional
adjective C1
Expressions
all except
1/ˈɔl ɪksˈɛpt/
fixed phrase
everything but certain items/people
Means everything or everyone but not certain things or people.
Examples
- All except Tom passed the test.
- She sold all her books except two.
except for
1/ɪksˈɛpt fɚ/
fixed phrase
apart from; excluding
Used to show the only difference or thing not included.
Examples
- The trip was perfect except for the weather.
- Except for one mistake, your essay is excellent.