Cool MateBut vs With the exception of two
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
But
High-frequency chunkA1conjunction
With the exception of two
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: But
| But | With the exception of two | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/bət//bʌt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/bət//bʌt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wɪð ði ɪkˈsɛpʃən əv tuː//🇺🇸 //wɪð ði ɪkˈsɛpʃən əv tuː// |
| Meaning | Used to show contrast or exception. | Not including two. |
| Example | I wanted to go, but it started to rain. | Everyone attended the meeting, with the exception of two key members. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | High-frequency chunk | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | conjunction | |
| Collocations | but I thought, but what about, but still, but then, but also | with the exception of, make an exception, exception to the rule |
| Antonyms | and, or | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'but' with 'and' when showing contrast., Starting a sentence with 'but' in very formal writing., Using a comma before 'but' when the clauses are very short. | Omitting 'the' before 'exception', Using 'except for' instead of 'with the exception of', Confusing the meaning with 'including' |
| Usage notes | 'But' is used to connect two contrasting ideas. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written English but may sound abrupt in very formal writing. | Used to specify that all things apply except a few. Common in both spoken and written English, suitable for formal and informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: But vs With the exception of two
What's the difference between But and With the exception of two?
But: Used to show contrast or exception. With the exception of two: Not including two.
Which is more common: But and With the exception of two?
But is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
But: I wanted to go, but it started to rain. With the exception of two: Everyone attended the meeting, with the exception of two key members.
Can I use But and With the exception of two interchangeably?
Not always. But and With the exception of two are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.