Learn English – “Except” vs “except if”

word-choice

Is there any difference between the two?

Example:

You don't like to see others suffering, except (if) they're
suffering for you.

If the version with or without the if the correct one?

Best Answer

You don't like to see others suffering, except if they're suffering for you.

except if here is the same as unless.

except can otherwise only be followed by nouns:

You don't like fruit except for bananas.

You don't like driving except if [unless] you are the driver.

except + [if clause]=unless

You would have liked the movie except if it had been really bad.

In more formal writing, it's better to use unless, in everyday utterances except if is fine.

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