Are you confused about when to use “except” and “save”? These two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Let’s take a closer look at each word and when to use them.
Firstly, “except” is used to exclude something or someone from a group or action. For example, “Everyone was invited to the party except for John.” In this sentence, John is excluded from the group of people who were invited to the party.
On the other hand, “save” is used to indicate that something or someone is being kept or preserved. For example, “He saved the last piece of cake for his wife.” In this sentence, the last piece of cake is being preserved for the man’s wife.
It’s important to note that “except” can also be used as a conjunction, meaning “but” or “with the exception of.” For example, “I like all fruits except for bananas.” In this sentence, the speaker likes all fruits except bananas.
Now that we have a better understanding of the meanings of “except” and “save,” let’s explore some common mistakes people make when using these words.
Except
Except is a preposition that means to exclude or leave out something or someone from a group or category. It is often used to indicate an exclusion or exception to a rule or statement. For instance, “Everyone is going to the party except John,” means that John is excluded from the group that is going to the party.
Save
Save is a preposition that means to keep or preserve something or someone from harm or danger. It is often used to indicate an exception or exemption to a rule or statement. For instance, “All the guests were allowed to bring their pets save for the ones that were aggressive,” means that the guests could bring their pets except for the aggressive ones.
While the two words are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference in their meanings. Except is used to indicate an exclusion or exception to a rule, while save is used to indicate an exception or exemption from a rule.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right words to use in a sentence can be tricky, especially when two words seem to have similar meanings. In this article, we will discuss how to properly use the words except and save in a sentence.
How To Use Except In A Sentence
The word except is used to indicate exclusion or exception. It is often used to show that something or someone is not included in a particular group or category. Here are some examples:
- All of the students passed the test except for John.
- I eat all kinds of fruits except for bananas.
- Everyone is going to the party except for Tom.
As you can see from the examples above, the word except is followed by the word for or sometimes by the word that. It is important to use except correctly in a sentence to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.
How To Use Save In A Sentence
The word save is also used to indicate exclusion or exception, but it is often used in a different way than except. Save is used to show that something has been kept or preserved. Here are some examples:
- I saved some money by buying the product on sale.
- The firefighters were able to save the building from burning down.
- He saved the last piece of cake for his wife.
As you can see from the examples above, the word save is often followed by a preposition such as by, from, or for. It is important to use save correctly in a sentence to convey the intended meaning.
More Examples Of Except & Save Used In Sentences
When it comes to using the words except and save, it’s important to understand their nuances and how they can be used in a sentence. Here are more examples of how these words can be used in different contexts.
Examples Of Using Except In A Sentence
- Everyone was invited to the party except for John.
- I like all fruits except for bananas.
- She has visited every country in the world except for Australia.
- He always wears a suit to work except on Fridays.
- They have everything on the menu except for fish tacos.
- Except for a few minor changes, the project is complete.
- The museum is open every day except for Mondays.
- She never drinks anything except for water.
- They all passed the test except for one student.
- He knew all the answers except for the last one.
Examples Of Using Save In A Sentence
- He saved his money for a year to buy a new car.
- The company was able to save a lot of money by cutting costs.
- She saved the document before closing the program.
- He was able to save his friend from drowning.
- The doctor was able to save the patient’s life.
- She saved a seat for her friend at the concert.
- He saved the last piece of cake for his wife.
- The company was able to save the project from failure.
- She saved the dress for a special occasion.
- He was able to save his reputation by admitting his mistake.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words except and save, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should not be used in the same way. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Save” Instead Of “Except”
One common mistake is using “save” instead of “except” when indicating that something or someone is not included in a group or category. For example:
- Incorrect: All students, save John, passed the exam.
- Correct: All students, except John, passed the exam.
The word “save” means to keep or preserve something, while “except” means to exclude or leave out something. Therefore, using “save” in this context is incorrect and can confuse the reader.
Using “Except” Instead Of “Save”
Another common mistake is using “except” instead of “save” when indicating that something or someone is being preserved or kept. For example:
- Incorrect: We need to save all the documents, except for the ones in the trash.
- Correct: We need to save all the documents, save for the ones in the trash.
In this case, “save” is the correct word to use because it means to keep or preserve something. “Except” means to exclude or leave out something, which is not the intended meaning in this context.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes, it is important to understand the meanings of both words and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:
- Think about the intended meaning of the sentence and choose the appropriate word.
- Double-check your writing to make sure you have used the correct word.
- Read your writing out loud to ensure it makes sense and conveys the intended meaning.
By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes when using except and save in your writing.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “except” and “save,” the context in which they are used can make all the difference. While both words can be used to indicate an exclusion or exception, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect which one is the better choice in a given situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Consider the following examples:
| Context | Example | Preferred Word |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Writing | “All students are required to take the final exam, except those who have a documented medical condition.” | except |
| Informal Writing | “I’m going to buy everything on my shopping list, except for the candy.” | except |
| Programming | “Save the changes to the file before exiting.” |
save |
| Emergency Situations | “Save yourself! Jump out the window!” | save |
In formal writing, “except” is often preferred as it is more precise and specific. In informal writing, either word can be used, but “except” may sound more formal or serious. In programming, “save” is the clear choice as it is a commonly used term in the context of saving changes to a file or document. In emergency situations, “save” is often used to indicate the urgency of the situation and the need to take immediate action.
Ultimately, the choice between “except” and “save” depends on the context in which they are used. By considering the tone, audience, and purpose of your writing, you can make the best choice to ensure your message is clear and effective.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using except and save are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. In certain contexts, the traditional usage may not apply. Here are some situations where the rules might differ:
1. Legal Terminology
In legal language, the terms except and save are often used interchangeably. However, there are some subtle differences between the two. For instance, in some jurisdictions, except may be used to indicate that a particular law or regulation does not apply to a specific situation, while save may be used to indicate that a specific clause or provision of a law does not apply. Here is an example:
| Example | Usage |
|---|---|
| All employees are entitled to overtime pay except managers | Except is used to indicate that managers are excluded from the category of employees who are entitled to overtime pay |
| All employees are entitled to overtime pay save for those who are salaried | Save is used to indicate that the provision for overtime pay does not apply to salaried employees |
2. Idiomatic Expressions
In some idiomatic expressions, except and save may be used interchangeably. These expressions have a fixed meaning that may not follow the usual grammatical rules. Here are some examples:
- Except for the grace of God
- Save for a rainy day
- There is nothing new under the sun except the history you do not know
In these cases, it would be incorrect to substitute except for save or vice versa. The meaning of the expression would be lost.
3. Regional Variations
In some regions or dialects, except and save may be used differently than in standard English. For instance, in some parts of the United States, save may be used as a synonym for except in certain contexts. Here is an example:
Everyone was there, save John
In this sentence, save is used to mean except, indicating that John was the only one who was not present. This usage is not common in other varieties of English.
By knowing these exceptions, you can use except and save with greater precision and accuracy.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of except and save is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1:
Fill in the blanks with the correct word (except or save) in the following sentences:
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| I like all fruits __________ for bananas. | except |
| Please __________ some cake for me. | save |
| We have everything we need __________ for the milk. | except |
| __________ your money for a rainy day. | Save |
| Everyone __________ John knows about the party. | except |
Exercise 2:
Write a sentence using except and another sentence using save. Then, explain the difference in meaning between the two sentences.
- Except: I like all vegetables except for brussels sprouts.
- Save: I will save my dessert for later.
The word except is used to exclude something from a list or group, while save is used to keep something for later or to prevent loss or waste.
Exercise 3:
Choose the correct word (except or save) to complete the sentence:
- __________ for a few minor errors, the report was excellent.
- Let’s __________ some money by carpooling to work.
- I have nothing to wear __________ for my new dress.
- We need to __________ some time to discuss this issue.
Answers: 1. Except, 2. Save, 3. Except, 4. Save
By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of except and save in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and meaning of the sentence to choose the correct word.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between “except” and “save” is crucial for effective communication in the English language. Here are the key takeaways from this article:
Except Vs Save: Key Takeaways
- “Except” means excluding or not including something, while “save” means except for or with the exception of something.
- Both words can be used as prepositions, conjunctions, or verbs.
- It is important to use the correct word in context to avoid confusion or ambiguity.
- When in doubt, consult a reliable grammar resource or seek feedback from a language expert.
By mastering the proper use of these two words, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills, and avoid common mistakes that can undermine your credibility and professionalism. Keep learning about grammar and language use, and strive for excellence in your communication skills.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.