Blog Challenge: besides, except

Yes, you're quite right, the two words (besides and except) are often confused - 'besides' means 'in addition to' or 'as well as', while 'except' means 'not including'.

Be careful, don't confuse 'besides' with 'beside' - the latter means 'next to' or 'at the side of'.

Right, I should have mentioned 'apart from', which can be used with either meaning (including or excluding). I'd add 'other than', which means 'not including' or 'without' (= 'except').

Sometimes you use 'except for' instead of 'except', for example, 'All the members have joined in the discussion except (for) him.'

So, let's try to write a short paragraph or blog by using the confusing words mentioned above: besides, except (for). Sure, you bet, I'll try to correct you if you really want to be corrected - don't forget to include the tag 'correction'.

Sample paragraph:

All (of) the members enjoyed Expector's blog challenges except (for) a few newbies who didn't have any idea how to join in the fun. Besides Expector's blog challenge, we used to have Tara's writing challenge. In fact, apart from Expector or Tara, some of the advanced members are encouraged to come up with such a challenge. Sometimes we did nothing except take part in a challenge. We really enjoyed the tasks except when a challenge was boring or dull. Besides, a challenge can be so useful for honing our English writing skills.

Now, it's your turn. Have fun!

When I was small, I always enjoyed going out with my father except for the visits to the dentist. Besides the pain of the needles, I had to endure th…

You need to be a member of MyEnglishClub to add comments!

Comments

Expector Smith September 4, 2016 16:09

Thanks ELF!
ELF-Noor September 3, 2016 14:50

I will try to write a paragraph about these confusing words... IA

This is really informative blog.. ^.^.
Expector Smith September 3, 2016 14:21

Thanks RK!
Expector Smith September 3, 2016 13:19

Thanks for the comment, noona!

Hope to read your blog soon!
Expector Smith July 31, 2016 13:38

Hi Shoba,

I have read and liked it! Keep it up!
Shoba July 31, 2016 8:15

Here's my try, Sir Expector.

http://www.myenglishclub.com/profiles/blogs/expector-s-writing-chal...

Expector's Writing Challenge : Except, besides (Bite the bullet)

When I was small, I always enjoyed going out with my father except for the visits to the dentist. Besides the pain of the needles, I had to endure th…
Expector Smith July 29, 2016 9:03

Hi mitran,

Join us in the challenge when you feel like writing about it. That's what a challenge is for - challenge you to write:)

Thanks!
Expector Smith July 28, 2016 9:05

@Serene

Great! I'll check it out!
Expector Smith July 28, 2016 9:01

Note that you can use 'except' in front of an infinitive without 'to' (when 'except' is used after 'do'), for example, 'I did nothing except watch TV.'
Expector Smith July 28, 2016 8:55

Hi Onee,

Good question! Yes, 'not to mention' is a useful yet tricky phrase. You use it when you're trying to introduce an additional thing which makes a situation even more surprising, difficult, etc, for example, you can say 'The salary is huge, not to mention the perfect location of the company.'

Another similar phrase is 'let alone' - you can say 'He can't even walk, let alone run.'

of 2

This reply was deleted.