25. Besides, except and apart from
These expressions often cause confusion.
Besides usually adds whereas except subtracts. Compare:
• Besides mathematics, we have to learn physics and chemistry. (We learn three subjects.)
• He can play all musical instruments except the flute.
(He can’t play the flute.)
Apart from can be used in both senses.
• Apart from mathematics, we have to learn physics and chemistry.
(= Besides mathematics, we have to ...)
• He can play all musical instruments apart from the violin. (= He can play all musical instruments except the violin.)
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