How to use 除了…以外
除了 ⋯⋯ (+ 以外) ，Subj. + 都 / 也 / 还 ⋯⋯
除了 sets one item or group apart before the sentence explains how it relates to the rest. With 都, it often introduces an exception: the remaining members share a property that the named item does not. 以外 can close the opening phrase, although it is frequently omitted when the structure is clear.
With 也 or 还, the sentence commonly adds another case rather than excluding the first one. In this reading, the item after 除了 is already included, and the main clause supplies something additional. Read the entire sentence before choosing an English translation. The same opening phrase can support quite different meanings depending on the following adverb and the relevant set.
Examples with pinyin and English
除了他，我们都去过。
Except for him, we've all been there.
除了白酒，别的酒他都喝。
He drinks all kinds of alcohol except baijiu.
除了周末，老板每天都加班。
Except for weekends, the boss works overtime every day.
除了价格以外，其他方面我们都很满意。
We're satisfied with all aspects except for the price.
What to remember
- 都 often supports an exception reading.
- 也 or 还 commonly introduces an addition.
- 以外 can close the 除了 phrase.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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