This document provides information and examples on the proper usage of the word "except." It explains that "except" is used to introduce the only thing that is different from the rest. It also discusses how "except" is used after general statements with words like "all" or "every." The document notes common mistakes made with "except," such as using it to change the meaning of a statement, having the wrong verb agreement, or unnecessarily repeating information. Examples are provided to demonstrate the correct usage of "except."

1. Synthesis
and
Transformation
EXCEPT (for)

2. Meaning of except
- prep leaving out; not including
Eg : Your essay was good except
that it was too long.

3. Usage of except
You use except :
- to introduce the only thing,
person, or group that is different from
the rest
- in front of a noun group
Eg : All the boys except Peter started to giggle.
Eg : All the children except the few girls chose the
wrong answer.

4. Usage of except
You use except :
- after general statements,
especially after words like all,
every, whole, everything, anybody
etc.
He ate everything on his plate except
the beans.
He ate the whole meal, except the
beans.

5. Usage of except
You use except :
- before prepositions and
conjunctions
It’s the same everywhere except in
Scotland.
He’s good-looking except when he
smiles

6. Usage of except for
You use except for :
- when you are mentioning something
that prevents a statement from being
completely true
The classroom was silent, except for the
busy scratching of pens on papers.
The room was entirely empty except for
Morris.

7. More examples
I’ve cleaned all the rooms.
I did not clean the bathroom.
I’ve cleaned all the rooms except (for)
the bathroom.
You couldn’t hear anything. You could
hear the noise of Louise typing.
You couldn’t hear anything except (for)
the noise of Louise typing.

8. Common Mistakes – Wrong Meaning
All the players were present.
Kenny was the only player absent.
Original meaning – all the players
came, only Kenny did not come.
New meaning – all the players did not
come, only Kenny came
 All the players except Kenny were
absent.

9. Common Mistakes – Wrong Meaning
All the players except Kenny
were present.
All the players were present.
Kenny was the only player absent.
Correct answer :

10. Common Mistakes – Wrong Verb
Agreement
All the players were present.
Kenny was the only player absent.
Main subject – all the players not
Kenny, therefore use plural verb
All the players except Kenny was
absent.

11. Common Mistakes – Wrong Verb
Agreement
All the players were present.
Kenny was the only player absent.
Correct answer :
All the players except Kenny
were present.

12. Common Mistakes – Repetition of
Information
We all chose Paul as our monitor.
Tom alone did not choose Paul.
 We all chose Paul as our monitor
except Tom.
 We all chose Paul as our monitor
except Tom did not choose Paul.

13. Common Mistakes – Repetition of
Information
Sally answered all the questions.
She did not answer the last question.
 Sally answered all the questions
except the last one.
 Sally answered all the questions
except the last question.