Spanish · C1 · Everyday language
Almost Right, Except for One Detail in Spanish
Helping your child see their achievements while identifying a small factual exception. In Spanish, we use the conjunction 'excepto que' or 'salvo que' to introduce a subordinate clause that points out a single detail without negating the overall success of the task.
What you'll learn
- Identify factual exceptions in otherwise successful tasks.
- Correctly use 'excepto que' to link a main clause and a subordinate clause.
- Maintain a positive tone while addressing minor errors or missing items.
Spanish phrases for almost right, except for one detail
Tu mochila está lista, excepto que tu botella de agua sigue en la mesa.
Your bag is ready, except that your water bottle is still on the table.
Uses 'excepto que' to introduce the missing item.
La tarea está terminada, salvo que a la última respuesta le falta su unidad.
The homework is complete, except that the last answer needs its unit.
'Salvo que' is a common synonym for 'excepto que'.
Leíste la página con precisión, excepto que intercambiaste esos dos nombres.
You read the page accurately, except that you swapped those two names.
Highlights a specific technical slip.
Todo está organizado para la cita de juegos, salvo que no nos hemos puesto de acuerdo en la hora de recogida.
Everything is arranged for the playdate, except that we have not agreed on a collection time.
'Ponerse de acuerdo' is the natural way to say 'to agree'.
Tu equipación deportiva está limpia, excepto que los calcetines todavía necesitan un lavado.
Your sports kit is clean, except that the socks still need washing.
'Equipación' is commonly used for sports kits.
Nuestro camino al colegio fue sobre ruedas, salvo que el semáforo tardó mucho en cambiar.
Our walk to school went smoothly, except that the crossing light took a long time to change.
'Sobre ruedas' is an idiomatic way to say 'smoothly' or 'like clockwork'.
Tu lista de la paga es correcta, excepto que contaste la misma moneda dos veces.
Your pocket-money list is correct, except that you counted the same coin twice.
'Paga' is the standard term for pocket money or allowance.
El club es justo como lo describiste, salvo que los principiantes practican en la sala más pequeña.
The club is just as you described it, except that the beginners practise in the smaller hall.
Describes a factual difference in setting.
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
excepto que
except that
Followed by the indicative when stating a factual exception.
salvo que
except that / unless
Functions similarly to 'excepto que' in this factual context.
la paga
pocket money / allowance
Specifically refers to the money parents give children regularly.
intercambiar
to swap / to exchange
Useful for describing mixing things up.
Exceptive Subordinate Clauses
To introduce a factual exception to a general statement, use 'excepto que' or 'salvo que'. Unlike 'a menos que' (which implies a hypothetical condition and requires the subjunctive), these phrases usually take the indicative because they describe a real, observed detail.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | [Main Clause] + excepto que + [Factual Detail] | Está bien, excepto que falta una coma. |
| Synonym | salvo que | Todo está listo, salvo que no tengo las llaves. |
More examples
La cena está deliciosa, excepto que el pan está un poco quemado.
Dinner is delicious, except that the bread is a little burnt.
A classic example of a single factual exception.
Tu dibujo es perfecto, salvo que olvidaste pintar el sol.
Your drawing is perfect, except that you forgot to paint the sun.
Using 'salvo que' for a minor omission.