The spelling of the phrase "except for" is phonetically transcribed as /ɪkˈsɛpt fɔr/. "Except" is pronounced with the short "i" sound /ɪ/ and pronounced like "x-sept" with the accent on the first syllable. "For" is pronounced with the "or" sound /ɔr/ and is said with the accent on the second syllable. Together, they create a phrase that signals exclusion or the absence of something, as in "I like all vegetables except for brussels sprouts."
Except for is a phrase that is primarily used as a preposition and conjunction. It denotes an exception or exclusion from a particular situation or group, implying that everything or everyone else falls under the specified condition or category. When used as a preposition, this phrase means with the exclusion or omission of someone or something. It suggests that all other individuals or elements are included, while the mentioned person or thing is disregarded or not counted. For instance, one may say, "Everyone attended the party except for John," implying that all individuals attended, leaving only John as the exception.
As a conjunction, except for introduces a subordinate clause that states an exception or limitation to the main clause. It is used to contrast or provide an exception to what has been said previously. This phrase conveys the idea that all other circumstances or conditions remain true or applicable, except for the particular circumstance mentioned in the subordinate clause. An example of its usage in this context could be, "The event was fantastic, except for the weather," indicating that the weather was the only negative aspect of an otherwise excellent event.
Overall, except for signifies exclusion, omission, or limitation, highlighting that everything or everyone else is included or applicable except for the specific entity or scenario mentioned.
The word "except" originated from Latin "exceptus", the past participle of "excipere", which means "to take out" or "to exclude". In English, "except" has been in use since the late 14th century. The addition of the preposition "for" in the phrase "except for" has the sense of "excluding" or "leaving out" something or someone. This usage has been recorded since the 1590s in English.