Posted by Beatrix · December 14, 2012 · 2 replies
hello,
can you please explain to me the difference in the usage of the two? I did some internet research but the explanations are both complicated and unclear, they leave an impression that people actually don't know the difference.
Thanks in advance
I've never seen an explanation that holds up in terms of meaning difference when you're talking about excluding a specific instance from a general statement - eg :
I know nothing about it except/except for what you've told me
Everyone was dressed formally except/ except for John.
- for me they're more or less interchangeable.
However, only except (or rather except that) can be followed by a clause expressing a reason :
We would have gone out except (that) it was raining.
Thank you.
