除了…以外…chúle... yǐwài...

Structure 除了…以外… (except for... / besides...)

Meaning: Except for (with 都) / Besides, in addition to (with 还/也)

Pattern

除了…以外… (chúle... yǐwài...) is one of the most nuanced structures in HSK 3 because it can express either EXCLUSION or INCLUSION depending on the adverb in the main clause:
1.
EXCLUSION ('except for A, all...'): paired with 都 in the second clause.
Example: 除了我以外，大家都来了 (Except for me, everyone came — I did not come).
2.
INCLUSION / ADDITION ('besides A, also...'): paired with 还 or 也 in the second clause.

1
除了我以外,大家都去过中国。
Chúle wǒ yǐwài, dàjiā dōu qù guò Zhōngguó.
Except for me, everyone has been to China.
2
除了汉语以外,他还会说英语。
Chúle Hànyǔ yǐwài, tā hái huì shuō Yīngyǔ.
Besides Chinese, he can also speak English.
3
除了星期天以外,我每天都上班。
Chúle xīngqītiān yǐwài, wǒ měitiān dōu shàngbān.
Except for Sunday, I go to work every day.

•Paired with 都 = “except for”; paired with 还/也 = “besides / in addition to”.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Confusing 都 (exclusion) and 还 (inclusion) in the second clause.

•Combining 都 and 还 contradictorily: WRONG 除了我以外, 大家都还来了 → RIGHT 除了我以外, 大家都来了.

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 3 to master all skills together.