What is except? Pronunciation and usage in English

except means . Learn how to pronounce and use except through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of except

exceptpreposition

/ɪkˈsɛpt//ɛkˈsɛpt/
Definition & pronunciation of except

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "except." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ɪkˈsepta/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ɪk - This is like the "i" in "bit" or "fix." It’s a short, quick "i" sound.

  2. ˈsepta - This is the tricky part.

    • se - Sounds like the "s" in "see."
    • pta - This is where most people stumble. It's NOT like "sept" (as in September). It’s a blend of sounds:
      • p - Like the "p" in "pen"
      • t - Like the "t" in "top"
      • a - Like the "a" in "father"

Putting it all together:

Think of it as saying: "ick-SEP-tuh" (with a slight emphasis on the "SEP" part).

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary and click on the audio button. Also, search YouTube for "how to pronounce except."
  • Practice slowly: Don't try to rush it. Break it down into the individual syllables and say them clearly.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "except" and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve.

Important Note: There’s a slightly less common pronunciation, often heard in British English, that sounds like /ɪkˈspekt/. However, /ɪkˈsepta/ is the more widely used and understood pronunciation in American English.

Would you like me to:

  • Provide you with links to audio examples?
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Usage and examples with the word except in English

Let's break down how to use the word "except" in English. It's often tricky because it can be used in a few different ways, but here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Preposition – Meaning "Other Than" or "Aside From"

This is the most common usage. "Except" indicates you’re excluding something from a group or list.

  • Structure: except + noun/pronoun
  • Example:
    • "Everyone is invited, except John." (John is excluded from the group of invited people.)
    • "I like most fruits, except apples." (Apples are the exception to my general fondness for fruit.)
    • "The students passed the exam, except for a few who failed." (A few students are the excluded group.)

2. As a Conjunction – Meaning "But Not"

When used as a conjunction (connecting clauses), "except" means "but not." It’s less common than as a preposition, and sometimes sounds a little formal.

  • Structure: except + verb phrase
  • Example:
    • "He didn't attend the meeting, except to apologize." (He didn’t attend the meeting but he did apologize.)
    • "She's a talented musician, except when she's nervous." (She's a talented musician but she struggles when nervous.)
    • "The weather was beautiful, except for the rain." (The weather was beautiful but there was rain.)

3. "Except for" – Slightly Different Emphasis

“Except for” is a very close cousin of “except” and often interchangeable, but it puts a little more emphasis on what is being excluded.

  • Structure: except for + noun/pronoun
  • Example:
    • “Everyone was excited, except for him; he was disappointed.” (The focus is on his disappointment, which is the exception.)
    • “The cake was delicious, except for a slightly burnt edge.” (The focus is on the burnt edge.)

Key Differences & Considerations:

  • Preposition vs. Conjunction: This is the biggest thing to understand. Think of "except" as:

    • Preposition: Showing exclusion from a group.
    • Conjunction: Introducing a contrasting clause.

  • Formality: "Except for" is generally considered slightly more formal than just “except”.

  • Sounding Natural: In spoken English, “except for” is often favored, especially when presenting an exception.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Using it as an adverb: Don’t say “He’s good except-ly.” (You need a preposition or conjunction.)
  • Overusing it: If you're constantly using “except” to exclude things, it can sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like "unless," "aside from," or simply rephrasing the sentence.

Here’s a table summarizing the usage:

Usage Meaning Structure Example
Preposition Other than except + noun Except Sarah, we all went.
Conjunction But not except + verb phrase He didn't speak, except to agree.
“Except for” But not (with emphasis) except for + noun The house was lovely, except for the garden.

Resources for More Practice:

To help me tailor this explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Are you struggling with a specific sentence where you're using “except?”
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Synonyms for the word except

Practice with vocabulary except

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. All employees are required to attend the mandatory training session, ____ those who completed the advanced certification last year.
  2. The software system processes all types of data ____ multimedia files, which require a separate conversion tool.
  3. The project manager stressed the importance of clear communication ____ avoid misunderstandings.
  4. His presentation was excellent, but he seemed a little hesitant ____ the beginning.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers)

  1. All committee members must vote on the proposal, ____ the chair, who only votes in case of a tie. a) besides b) except c) notwithstanding d) in addition to

  2. The new security protocol applies to all departments ____ the R&D team, which operates under stricter, specialized regulations. a) excluding b) apart from c) without d) but

  3. Every item on the checklist was verified, ____ the last point about database integrity, which needs further review. a) save for b) in lieu of c) along with d) on account of

  4. The company successfully launched the new product line ____ a few minor delays in production. a) with b) in spite of c) against d) provided that

  5. She managed to finish the entire report ____ the tight deadline. a) despite b) because of c) in addition to d) in order to

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Only the CEO was not present at the annual board meeting; everyone else attended. Rewrite:
  2. The updated policy covers all aspects of data privacy, but it does not include personal information shared voluntarily on public forums. Rewrite:
  3. Even though there were significant logistical challenges, the event was a resounding success. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. All employees are required to attend the mandatory training session, except those who completed the advanced certification last year.
  2. The software system processes all types of data except multimedia files, which require a separate conversion tool.
  3. The project manager stressed the importance of clear communication to avoid misunderstandings.
  4. His presentation was excellent, but he seemed a little hesitant at the beginning.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) besides, b) except
  2. a) excluding, b) apart from, d) but
  3. a) save for
  4. a) with
  5. a) despite

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Everyone attended the annual board meeting except the CEO.
  2. The updated policy covers all aspects of data privacy except personal information shared voluntarily on public forums.
  3. The event was a resounding success despite significant logistical challenges.

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