What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
minus
Example
Five minus two equals three. [minus: preposition]
Example
The team lost the game by ten points, minus their star player. [minus: conjunction]
Example
The recipe calls for four cups of flour, minus one cup for each batch. [minus: preposition]
excluding
Example
Everyone is invited to the party, excluding John. [excluding: preposition]
Example
The survey asked about favorite colors, excluding black and white. [excluding: present participle]
Example
The price of the car is $10,000, excluding tax and fees. [excluding: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Minus is more commonly used than excluding in everyday language, especially in mathematical contexts. However, excluding is more formal and less common, often used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between minus and excluding?
Excluding is generally more formal than minus, and is often used in academic or professional writing to indicate a deliberate omission or exclusion. Minus is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
