Except vs Except for

Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by r.ross, Oct 16, 2020.

Tags:
  1. Friedrich Kugelschreiber

    Friedrich Kugelschreiber marshmallow Contributor

    Joined:
    May 8, 2017
    Messages:
    4,744
    Likes Received:
    5,937
    Not to me but I see what you mean. "Depression aside, her life was as she had always wanted it."
     
  2. r.ross

    r.ross Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2020
    Messages:
    124
    Likes Received:
    52
    I decided to change the sentence completely. Sorry for being a pain in the arse!
     
  3. Seven Crowns

    Seven Crowns Moderator Staff Supporter Contributor Contest Winner 2022

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2017
    Messages:
    1,998
    Likes Received:
    3,692
    "Had everything" wants to collect good things. You can't toss depression in there. That's never a goal. (unless you're emo)

    The only part of her life she regretted was her depression.​

    Now it's a negative building on a negative. It's about what she doesn't want. You can reword that structure and make it fit lots of ways. Just keep it bleak.
     
    r.ross likes this.
  4. r.ross

    r.ross Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2020
    Messages:
    124
    Likes Received:
    52
    Like this! Could be changed slightly to suit (need it in present tense)... So:
    The only part of her life she hates is her anxiety.
    You're like an angel! :superidea:

    I was going to go with (because I'm fed up):
    Anxiety sucks. She has lived with it her entire life.
     
    Seven Crowns likes this.
  5. Naomasa298

    Naomasa298 HP: 10/190 Status: Confused Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2019
    Messages:
    5,346
    Likes Received:
    6,170
    Location:
    The White Rose county, UK
    That's fine. Don't repeat "anxiety".
     
    r.ross likes this.
  6. r.ross

    r.ross Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2020
    Messages:
    124
    Likes Received:
    52
    Thanks as always :)
     
  7. JLT

    JLT Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2016
    Messages:
    1,857
    Likes Received:
    2,235
    My own take on this is that "except the depression" means that you're comparing the depression to other specific components of her life, whereas "except for the depression" means that you're comparing the depression to the life itself.

    Anyway, consider the old joke: "Well, except for that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?" You really need the "for" in that one.
     
  8. r.ross

    r.ross Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2020
    Messages:
    124
    Likes Received:
    52
    Hi all,
    Sorry to go back to this, but I didn’t want to create a new thread. I want to ask your opinions on the phrase: entire life

    So if you were to say: I have lived with anxiety my entire life - I don’t think it’s the best phrase to use, because it implies since birth? And you obviously wouldn’t remember that far back, unless you’re a superbeing.

    Would it be better to say something like:
    For as long as I can remember.
     
  9. Friedrich Kugelschreiber

    Friedrich Kugelschreiber marshmallow Contributor

    Joined:
    May 8, 2017
    Messages:
    4,744
    Likes Received:
    5,937
    It's fine if you mean "from childhood." "I've always lived with anxiety," "I've lived with anxiety all my life," "my entire life," "my whole life," "for as long as I can remember": all mean pretty much the same thing.
     
    r.ross likes this.
  10. r.ross

    r.ross Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2020
    Messages:
    124
    Likes Received:
    52
    Thanks for the input, appreciate it. I’m dissecting my writing with a fine tooth comb, questioning my use of phrases, if I might get penalised for certain things. And this came to mind. Would someone actually say ‘well that’s not entirely the case...’

    Second guessing is part of the parcel I suppose!
     
  11. Friedrich Kugelschreiber

    Friedrich Kugelschreiber marshmallow Contributor

    Joined:
    May 8, 2017
    Messages:
    4,744
    Likes Received:
    5,937
    Yes, all the time. Where are you from? Your English is quite good.
     
  12. r.ross

    r.ross Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2020
    Messages:
    124
    Likes Received:
    52
    Cheers! English is my native tongue. I’m from the U.K.

    I get stuck with phrases sometimes - if they are right for what I want to use them for. When it comes to my own writing I second guess a lot. Nature of the job I suppose.
     
  13. Friedrich Kugelschreiber

    Friedrich Kugelschreiber marshmallow Contributor

    Joined:
    May 8, 2017
    Messages:
    4,744
    Likes Received:
    5,937
    I feel the same way sometimes. I get so stuck in my own head that I can't tell if something sounds right or not.
     
    r.ross likes this.
  14. r.ross

    r.ross Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2020
    Messages:
    124
    Likes Received:
    52
    So relatable! I totally get this. That’s the downside of writing I suppose!
     
  15. JLT

    JLT Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2016
    Messages:
    1,857
    Likes Received:
    2,235
    You could. Or you could follow the advice that others have given above. But if you really like that "entire life" phrase, you could say "I have lived my entire life with anxiety." It's naturally assumed that you're talking about only the parts of life that you remember.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice