Besides, Except (for), and Apart from

[ctivnan]

Here are some adverbs that we commonly use. Just wanna share how different and similar they are, so we can enjoy using them! :character:

BESIDES
- usually adds (+); similar to "in addition to."

e.g. Besides the piano, Thai also plays the violin and the flute.
(Thai plays three musical instruments.)


EXCEPT (for)

- it subtracts (-); it is like saying "without."

e.g. Thai likes all the musical instruments except the drums.
(Thai does not like the drums.)

Except for the drums, Thai like all the musical instruments. **
(Thai does not like the drums.)


APART FROM

- can be used in both senses: addition (+) and subtraction (-)

e.g. Apart from the piano, Thai likes to play the violin and the flute.
(Thai plays three musical instruments.)

Thai likes all musical instruments apart from the drums.
(Thai doesn't like the drums.)

N.B.
After no, nobody, nothing, and similar negative words, BESIDES, EXCEPT (for), and APART FROM mean the same.

e.g. Devin has nothing to lose apart from his salary.
(Dev only has his salary.)

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**
Before generalizing words like ALL, ANY, EVERY, NO, EVERYTHING, ANYBODY, NOWHERE, NOBODY, WHOLE we do NOT leave out "for" in EXCEPT FOR.

:happy0069: :hey: :happy0069: :hey:


Source: Practical English Usage by Michael Swan