What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
minus
Example
10 minus 5 equals 5. [minus: preposition]
Example
The team lost the game by three points, minus their star player. [minus: preposition]
Example
The recipe calls for all ingredients except sugar. [except: preposition]
except
Example
Everyone is going to the party except for John. [except: preposition]
Example
I love all fruits except for bananas. [except: preposition]
Example
I would have finished my work, except I got distracted. [except: conjunction]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Except is more commonly used than minus in everyday language. Except is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while minus is more technical and primarily used in mathematical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between minus and except?
Minus is more formal and technical than except, which is more commonly used in everyday language and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
