with the exception of

Meaning

This formal prepositional phrase is used to exclude a specific person, thing, or group from a general statement. It functions similarly to 'except for' but carries a much more academic, precise, and professional tone. It is ideal for scientific reporting, data analysis, and legal writing.

Examples

• All participants, with the exception of the control group, showed significant improvement.

  All participants, with the exception of the control group, showed significant improvement.

• With the exception of a few minor spelling errors, the essay was exceptionally well-written.

  With the exception of a few minor spelling errors, the essay was exceptionally well-written.

• The laboratory tests were successful, with the exception of the final trial on Friday.

  The laboratory tests were successful, with the exception of the final trial on Friday.

• With the exception of the northern region, the entire country experienced a severe drought.

  With the exception of the northern region, the entire country experienced a severe drought.

• All variables remained constant throughout the experiment, with the exception of temperature.

  All variables remained constant throughout the experiment, with the exception of temperature.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ With an exception of the last chapter, the book was highly informative.

  ✓ With the exception of the last chapter, the book was highly informative.

  The definite article 'the' is a fixed part of this idiom; 'an' is incorrect.

• ✗ With the exception to the rule, all students must attend the lecture.

  ✓ With the exception of the rule, all students must attend the lecture.

  Although we say 'an exception to' when the noun is used alone, the full transitional phrase requires 'of'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Every department, ___ marketing, met its annual budget targets.

  💡 Excluding or not including.

  Show answer

  with the exception of

• ___ the introduction, the entire research paper was written in the passive voice.

  💡 Capitalize the first letter as it starts the sentence.

  Show answer

  With the exception of