Except is a difficult concept to understand. There are two things to look for in a sentence that includes “except”.
- The rule
- The exception (the thing that doesn’t follow the rule)
Let’s see a few examples:
- I am free all day except 2:30.
- Rule: I am free all day.
- Exception: I am not free at 2:30.
- Everyone except for Jim was invited.
- Rule: Everyone was invited.
- Exception: Jim was not invited.
- No right turn on red except curb lane.
- Rule: No vehicles may turn right on red.
- Exception: The vehicles in the curb lane (the lane nearest the side of the road) can turn on red.
- No one except me is allowed to go into the building.
- Rule: No one is allowed to go into the building.
- Exception: I am allowed to go into the building.
- Any time would work except 1:00.
- Rule: Any time would work.
- Exception: 1:00 would not work.
Check your understanding:
- What does the following sentence mean?
- What is the rule?
- What is the exception?
- Tell me in the comment section below.
I always understand the sentence except when it includes the word “except”.