Conjunction 除了...以外

This pattern functions like a logic gate. It sets a boundary. You place a noun, a verb, or a whole phrase inside the 除了...以外 structure. But here is the secret sauce: the meaning changes based on the word that follows. If you use 都, you are excluding the item. You are saying, "Exclude this one, but include everything else." If you use 也 or 还, you are adding to the list. You are saying, "In addition to this one, here is another one." It is like a grammar traffic light. Green means "add more" (也/还), and red means "stop here, but everyone else goes" (都). Even native speakers occasionally pause to make sure they picked the right connector. Take your time with it!

1. 1Building this sentence is a four-step process.
2. 2Start with the word 除了 (chúle) at the beginning of your phrase.
3. 3Insert the specific item you want to highlight (a person, a food, an activity).
4. 4Close the bracket with 以外 (yǐwài).
5. 5Pick your "Follow-up Word":
6. 6Use 都 (dōu) if you want to say "Everyone/everything EXCEPT this."
7. 7Use 也 (yě) or 还 (hái) if you want to say "ALSO this / IN ADDITION to this."
8. 8Pattern A (Exclusion): 除了 + [Item] + 以外 + [Subject] + 都 + [Verb].
9. 9Example: 除了他以外，我们都去。 (Except for him, we all go.)
10. 10Pattern B (Addition): 除了 + [Item] + 以外 + [Subject] + 也/还 + [Verb].
11. 11Example: 除了苹果以外，我也买香蕉。 (In addition to apples, I also buy bananas.)

Use this when you need to be specific about groups. Imagine you are at a restaurant with friends. One friend is allergic to peanuts. You tell the waiter: 除了花生以外，我们都吃。 (Except for peanuts, we eat everything.) That is the Exclusion pattern.

Now, imagine a job interview. The boss asks what languages you speak. You say: 除了英文以外，我还会说汉语。 (In addition to English, I can also speak Chinese.) That is the Addition pattern. Use it when you want to sound inclusive or thorough. It’s also great for travel. "Besides Beijing, I also want to go to Shanghai." It shows you have a plan.

Don't use this for simple sequences. If you do one thing after another, use 然后 (then). For example, don't say "Except for breakfast, I eat lunch." That sounds like you are avoiding breakfast like it's a chore.

Also, avoid using it when a simple "and" (和) will do. If you just like apples and bananas equally, just use 和. Use 除了...以外 only when you want to emphasize the relationship between the items. It’s a bit more formal and structured. If you use it for every single sentence, you’ll sound like a very precise robot. Give it a rest sometimes!

The biggest mistake is the "Half-Sandwich." You might remember the 除了 but forget the 以外. While some native speakers omit 以外 in fast speech, as a learner, you should keep it to stay clear.

Another trap is the 也 vs 都 swap. If you say 除了苹果以外，我都喜欢, it means you like everything EXCEPT apples. If you meant to say you like apples AND something else, you’ve just told your friend you hate their favorite fruit!

Also, watch the placement of the subject. Usually, the subject comes right after the comma, before 都 or 也. Putting the subject before 除了 is possible but can feel a bit clunky for beginners. Stick to the standard order first.

You might know the word 但是 (but). While 但是 shows a conflict, 除了...以外 shows a category. 但是 is a surprise; 除了...以外 is an organization strategy.

You might also see 除了...之外 (chúle... zhīwài). Don't panic! It is exactly the same thing. 之外 is just a slightly more formal cousin of 以外. In everyday conversation, 以外 is your best friend. In a fancy book, you might meet 之外.