Are you tired of confusing the words expect and except? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words may look similar, but they have completely different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between expect and except, and how to use them correctly in your writing.
Let’s clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use in certain situations. Expect is the correct word to use when you are anticipating something to happen or when you have a strong belief that something will occur. Except, on the other hand, means to exclude or leave out something or someone.
For example, you might say “I expect to receive a promotion at work this year.” This means that you believe you will receive a promotion. On the other hand, you might say “Everyone is going to the party except for John.” This means that John is being excluded from the party.
Now that we’ve clarified the meanings of these two words, let’s dive deeper into their usage. In the following sections, we’ll explore specific examples of how to use expect and except in different contexts.
Expect
Expect is a verb that refers to anticipating or looking forward to something happening or being the case. It can also mean to believe that something will happen or to demand that something happen or be done.
Except
Except is a preposition that indicates exclusion or exclusionary conditions. It can also be used as a conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses an exception to what has just been said.
Here are some examples of how except can be used in a sentence:
- I like all fruits except for bananas.
- Everyone was invited to the party except for John.
Except can also be used as a verb, meaning to leave out or exclude something or someone. For example:
- The store excepted certain items from the sale.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Understanding the correct usage of words is essential to effective communication. Two commonly confused words are expect and except. While they may sound similar, they have very different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of expect and except in a sentence.
How To Use “Expect” In A Sentence
The word “expect” is a verb that means to anticipate or look forward to something happening. It can also mean to demand or require something to be done. Here are some examples of how to use “expect” in a sentence:
- I expect to receive a promotion at work next year.
- The boss expects all employees to arrive on time for meetings.
- We expect the project to be completed by the end of the month.
When using “expect” in a sentence, it is important to note that it is often followed by a noun or a gerund (a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun). For example, “I expect a phone call” or “I expect him to arrive soon.”
How To Use “Except” In A Sentence
The word “except” is a preposition that means to exclude or leave out. It is used to indicate that something or someone is not included in a group or action. Here are some examples of how to use “except” in a sentence:
- Everyone is going to the party except for John.
- I like all fruits except for bananas.
- We accept all major credit cards except for American Express.
When using “except” in a sentence, it is important to note that it is often followed by a noun or a pronoun. For example, “Everyone except him is going to the party” or “I like all fruits except bananas.”
More Examples Of Expect & Except Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between expect and except, it’s important to see them used in context. Here are some more examples of each word used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using expect In A Sentence
- I expect the package to arrive tomorrow.
- She didn’t expect to win the race, but she did.
- The boss expects us to work overtime this weekend.
- We expect the project to be completed by the end of the month.
- You can’t expect everyone to agree with you.
- He expects to be promoted soon.
- They expect a large turnout for the concert.
- The teacher expects us to study for the exam.
- She expects me to be on time.
- I expect him to be honest with me.
Examples Of Using except In A Sentence
- Everyone is going to the party except for John.
- He eats everything except for vegetables.
- I would have finished the project on time, except for the computer crash.
- She knows how to do everything except drive a car.
- The store is open every day except Sunday.
- All the books were on the shelf except for one.
- He’s great at math, except for geometry.
- She loves all animals except for snakes.
- They did everything together except sleep.
- Everyone passed the test except for him.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
One of the most common mistakes people make when using English is confusing the words “expect” and “except.” Although they may sound similar, they have completely different meanings and are not interchangeable. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when using these words and how to avoid them in the future.
Using “Expect” Instead Of “Except”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “expect” instead of “except.” For example, saying “I’ll take everything expect the blue shirt” is incorrect. The correct sentence should be “I’ll take everything except the blue shirt.”
The word “except” is used to indicate exclusion, while “expect” means to anticipate or to look forward to something. Therefore, using “expect” instead of “except” can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Using “Except For” Instead Of “Except”
Another common mistake is using “except for” instead of “except.” For example, saying “I like all fruits except for apples” is incorrect. The correct sentence should be “I like all fruits except apples.”
The phrase “except for” is used to introduce an exception to a rule or statement, while “except” is used to indicate exclusion. Therefore, using “except for” instead of “except” can also lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Tips To Avoid Confusing “Expect” And “Except”
To avoid making these common mistakes, here are some tips:
- Remember that “expect” means to anticipate or to look forward to something, while “except” means to exclude or to leave out.
- Double-check your sentences to ensure you are using the correct word.
- If you are unsure, consult a dictionary or a grammar guide.
By following these tips, you can avoid confusing “expect” and “except” and communicate more effectively in English.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “expect” and “except” can be a tricky task, as both words have similar spellings but entirely different meanings. The context in which these words are used plays a significant role in determining which one to use.
Expect
The word “expect” is commonly used to indicate a belief or anticipation that something will happen or be the case. It is used in various contexts, including:
- Business: Employers expect their employees to be punctual and productive.
- Education: Teachers expect their students to submit their assignments on time.
- Sports: Fans expect their favorite team to win the game.
It is essential to note that “expect” is used when there is a high probability that something will occur.
Except
The word “except” is used to indicate exclusion or exception. It is used in various contexts, including:
- Business: All employees are required to attend the meeting, except for the ones who are on leave.
- Education: All students are required to take the test, except for those who have a medical excuse.
- Sports: Everyone is allowed to enter the stadium, except for those who do not have a valid ticket.
It is essential to note that “except” is used when there is a need to exclude something or someone from a group or category.
Thus, it is evident that the context in which these words are used plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. It is essential to understand the meaning and usage of these words to avoid confusion and convey the intended message effectively.
Exceptions To The Rules
Identifying Exceptions
While the rules for using “expect” and “except” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. These exceptions are typically related to specific contexts or idiomatic expressions.
Exceptions For “Expect”
One exception for “expect” is in the phrase “except as otherwise provided.” This phrase is commonly used in legal documents and means that the information provided in the document is subject to change based on specific circumstances. For example:
- The terms of this agreement may be modified at any time, except as otherwise provided in writing by both parties.
Another exception for “expect” is in the phrase “to expect the unexpected.” This phrase is idiomatic and means to be prepared for anything, even if it is unlikely to happen. For example:
- When traveling in a foreign country, it’s always best to expect the unexpected.
Exceptions For “Except”
One exception for “except” is in the phrase “all but.” This phrase is idiomatic and means almost or nearly. For example:
- The project was all but finished when we ran into a major setback.
Another exception for “except” is in the phrase “except for.” This phrase is used to indicate an exclusion or exception to a general statement. For example:
- All of the books were on the shelf, except for the one I needed.
While the rules for using “expect” and “except” are generally straightforward, it’s important to be aware of these exceptions to avoid confusion and ensure proper usage.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of expect and except is through practice. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Sentence | Blank |
|---|---|
| I ___________ to see you at the party tonight. | expect |
| All of the students passed the test, ___________ for John. | except |
| She ___________ to get a promotion next year. | expects |
| ___________ for the fact that he was late, the meeting went well. | Except |
Answer Key:
- expect
- except
- expects
- Except
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word (expect or except) to complete each sentence:
- Everyone passed the test, ___________ for John.
- I ___________ to be finished by noon.
- She ___________ to get a promotion next year.
- ___________ for a few minor errors, the report was excellent.
Answer Key:
- except
- expect
- expects
- Except
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of expect and except in sentences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between expect and except is crucial for effective communication and writing. Remember that expect is used to indicate anticipation or a belief that something will happen, while except is used to indicate exclusion or an exception to a rule.
By using these words correctly, you can avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear and concise. It’s also important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve your writing skills and communicate effectively in various contexts.
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.