Crafting Powerful Sentences with ‘Not Since’ and ‘Except For’

Language is an incredibly powerful tool, and using specific constructions can enhance your writing significantly. Two such constructions are “not since” and “except for”, which can add a sense of history and exclusivity to your sentences. Let's explore how these can be used to craft impactful sentences.

Understanding 'Not Since'

The phrase “not since” is often used to indicate a gap of time since a previous occurrence. It can be particularly useful when you want to emphasize that no similar event has happened for a long time. Here are some examples of how to use this phrase effectively:

Example 1: Not since the moon landing in 1969 has humanity ventured so far into space. Example 2: Not since the H1N1 influenza virus in 1918 has the world seen such a devastating pandemic. Example 3: Not since the Spanish Flu has the world witnessed a global health crisis on this scale. Example 4: Not since the election of Richard Nixon has there been as corrupt a President as Donald Trump.

These examples illustrate how “not since” can be used to evoke a sense of historical comparison, emphasizing the uniqueness and significance of the current situation.

Using 'Except For'

The phrase “except for” is used to indicate that something is the case with everything being talked about, except for a specific part. It is often used to exclude someone or something from a group while the statement applies to everyone else in the group. Here are some useful examples:

Example 1: Except from the noise, the library was quite peaceful. Example 2: Except for the mild inconvenience, the school reopening plan is going well. Example 3: Except for the occasional power outage, the new city is running smoothly.

In these cases, “except for” highlights an exception, ensuring that the reader understands the full scope of the statement.

Promoting Exclusion with 'Not Since'

“Not since” can also be used to indicate exclusion when no similar event has occurred in a given period. For example:

Example 1: Not since the moon landing in 1969 has humanity ventured so far into space. Example 2: Not since the invention of the wheel has the arrival of a symbol of human progress been met with such unanimous praise. Example 3: Not since Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” performance at the VMA’s has a TV audience been so glued to their sets with rapt attention. Example 4: Not since Rover jumped into the open door of the refrigerator has Margaret cried so despondently over spilled milk.

These examples show how “not since” can be used to emphasize the unique nature of an event or situation by highlighting that no similar event has occurred for a long time.

Combining ‘Not Since’ and ‘Except For’

Combining both constructions can create a powerful statement that evokes a sense of exclusivity and historical significance. Here’s an example:

Example 1: Not since the moon landing in 1969 has humanity ventured so far into space, except from the occasional space station mission. Example 2: Not since the invention of the wheel has the arrival of a symbol of human progress been met with such unanimous praise, except for the initial reluctance from certain cultures.

These examples show how combining “not since” and “except for” can provide a nuanced and detailed statement that captures both the uniqueness and the slight exclusions within the broader context.

Clarifying ‘Except For’ vs. ‘Except From’

It’s important to clarify the usage of “except for” and “except from”. Here are some corrective examples:

Correct: We have received donations from all other states of India towards Kerala flood relief fund except from State A. Correct: Except from the noise, the library was quite peaceful.

In these examples, correct usage avoids confusion and ensures clarity in the sentence, making it more digestible for the reader.

In conclusion, mastering the use of “not since” and “except for” can significantly enhance your writing, making it more compelling and engaging. Whether you are emphasizing a historical gap or clarifying exclusions, these constructions can add depth and clarity to your sentences.