Spanish · C1 · Everyday language
One Detail Needs an Exception in Spanish
Learn how to provide a nuanced assessment by stating a general fact and then pinpointing a single exception. In Spanish, this is naturally expressed using the phrase 'salvo que' or 'a excepción de que', which allows you to refine your feedback on projects and plans.
What you'll learn
- Master the use of 'salvo que' to introduce factual exceptions.
- Practice providing constructive feedback to children regarding their projects.
- Differentiate between conditional exceptions and factual observations in a C1 context.
Spanish phrases for one detail needs an exception
Tu proyecto está listo, salvo que al diagrama final todavía le falta una etiqueta.
Your project is ready, except that the final diagram still needs a label.
'Salvo que' is a sophisticated way to say 'except that'.
Estoy de acuerdo con tu plan para el fin de semana, a excepción de que tengo una idea diferente sobre la hora de recogida.
I agree with your weekend plan, except that I have a different understanding of the pickup time.
'A excepción de que' emphasizes the specific point of disagreement.
Los dos talleres ofrecen las mismas actividades, salvo que uno incluye una sesión de fotografía.
The two workshops offer the same activities, except that one includes a photography session.
Useful for comparing options or extracurricular activities.
Tu resumen coincide con lo que dijo el profesor, salvo que la presentación es opcional.
Your summary matches what the teacher said, except that the presentation is optional.
'Coincidir con' is the correct phrasing for 'to match' in this context.
El grupo repartió el trabajo equitativamente, a excepción de que tú también te encargaste de la edición final.
The group divided the work evenly, except that you took responsibility for the final edit as well.
'Encargarse de' is a common C1 verb for taking responsibility for a task.
Nuestro acuerdo sobre el tiempo de pantalla funcionó bien esta semana, salvo que olvidamos tener en cuenta tu ensayo en línea.
Our screen-time arrangement worked well this week, except that we forgot to allow for your online rehearsal.
'Tener en cuenta' is used here for 'to allow for/to consider'.
El ensayo salió según lo previsto, salvo que el micrófono dejó de funcionar casi al final.
The rehearsal went as planned, except that the microphone stopped working near the end.
'Según lo previsto' is a set phrase for 'as planned'.
Nada ha cambiado respecto a la excursión de mañana, salvo que Maya nos encontrará en el museo en vez de en casa.
Nothing has changed about tomorrow's outing, except that Maya will meet us at the museum rather than at home.
'En vez de' is a natural way to say 'instead of' or 'rather than'.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Salvo que
Except that / Unless
When stating a factual exception to a past or present event, it is followed by the indicative.
Equitativamente
Evenly / Fairly
Used to describe fair distribution of labor or resources.
Etiqueta
Label / Tag
Commonly used in school projects for diagrams or folders.
Recogida
Pickup
Refers to the act of picking someone up (e.g., from school or practice).
Exceptive Subordinate Clauses
To state a factual exception (something that is true despite the general statement), use 'salvo que' or 'a excepción de que' followed by the Indicative mood. If you were stating a condition that *could* change the outcome (like 'unless'), you might use the Subjunctive, but for these factual assessments, Indicative is required.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Factual Exception | General Statement + salvo que + Indicative | Todo está bien, salvo que falta una pieza. |
| Pickup Time | La hora de recogida | La hora de recogida es a las cinco. |
More examples
La cena estuvo deliciosa, salvo que estaba un poco fría.
Dinner was delicious, except that it was a bit cold.
A classic example of a positive assessment with one factual detraction.
He terminado los deberes, salvo que no encuentro el libro de texto.
I have finished the homework, except that I can't find the textbook.
Showing a completed state with one specific hurdle.