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Prepositions with nouns

Without exception, of exception, or with exception?

Without exception is a standard phrase meaning every case is included. With exception alone is uncommon; English usually says with the exception of. Of exception is not a standard standalone combination.

Quick answer

Which expression should you use?

Use without exception to mean in every case. Use with the exception of when excluding someone or something. Do not use of exception as a normal English phrase.

All employees, without exception, must attend the meeting.
Everyone came, with the exception of Maya.
without exception, the reviews were positive.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
without exception

Meaning every case is included

Use without exception to say there are no exclusions.

Students without exception must wear ID badges.
The policy applies without exception.
2
with the exception of + noun

Excluding someone or something

Use with the exception of to mention an excluded person or thing.

All flights departed on time, with the exception of the evening service.
3
exception to + rule

Describing a rule that does not apply

Use exception to when talking about rules or patterns.

There is one exception to the policy.
4
make an exception for + person

Allowing special treatment

Use make an exception for when someone receives different treatment.

The manager agreed to make an exception for new staff.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
without exception
All guests must register without exception.
Means every case is included.
of exception
Of exception is not a standard standalone English phrase.
Avoid this combination in normal usage.
with exception
With the exception of one player, the team was complete.
English usually uses the longer form with the exception of.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using with exception without the full phrase

The usual expression is with the exception of.

✕ Everyone attended with exception John. ✓ Everyone attended with the exception of John.

Using of exception as a general phrase

English does not normally use this combination.

✕ The rule applies of exception. ✓ The rule applies without exception.

Confusing exception to with exception of

Exception to relates to rules, while with the exception of excludes an item from a group.

✕ There is an exception of the rule. ✓ There is an exception to the rule.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. All visitors must sign in, ___ exception.
2. Everyone passed, with the exception ___ Liam.
3. There is one exception ___ the policy.

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Frequently asked questions

Is without exception formal?

It is common in both formal and neutral English.

Can I say with exception?

Usually English prefers with the exception of.

Why is of exception incorrect?

It is not an established standalone English combination.

with, dignity, of, dignity "with disability" or "of disability"? "with distinction" or "of distinction"? "with emphasis" or "of emphasis"? "with friend" or "of friend"? with, of, to, between or for husband? with, of, under, for or in load? "without notice" or "of notice"? "without warning" or "of warning"? without, with, of, in or as regard? "with partner" or "of partner"? "with smile" or "of smile"?

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