Pattern: 除了……（以外），……还/也/都……
除了……（以外），……还/也/都……
Use the 除了 pattern to express "besides X, also Y" (inclusive) and "except for X, all Y" (exclusive)
This pattern has two uses: (1) Inclusive — "besides X, also Y" (with 还/也): 除了中文，我还会说英文. (2) Exclusive — "except for X, all Y" (with 都): 除了他，我们都去了. 以外 is optional and adds formality.
The key to understanding the meaning is the adverb in the second clause: 还/也 = inclusive (adding); 都 = exclusive (excluding). 以外 can be omitted in casual speech.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Pattern: 除了……（以外），……还/也/都…… (除了……（以外），……还/也/都……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 除了……（以外），……还/也/都…… pattern
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Understanding 除了……（以外），……还/也/都……
The 除了 pattern is one of the most versatile and frequently used sentence structures in intermediate Chinese. It serves two opposite functions depending on which adverb follows: inclusion or exclusion. When paired with 还 or 也, it means "besides X, also Y" — you are adding information. For example, 除了上课，我还要参加各种活动 (Besides attending classes, I also have to participate in various activities). When paired with 都, it means "except for X, everything/everyone else Y" — you are excluding. For example, 除了北京以外，中国的其他城市我都没去过 (Except for Beijing, I have not been to any other Chinese cities). The optional 以外 after X makes the sentence slightly more formal and complete, but is often dropped in daily conversation. Mastering this pattern lets you express complex ideas about inclusion and exclusion with elegance.
Key Points
- 除了 + X + 还/也 = "besides X, also…" (inclusive — adding information).
- 除了 + X + 都 = "except for X, all/everyone else…" (exclusive — subtracting).
- 以外 after X is optional. Adding it makes the sentence more formal/complete.
- X can be a noun, pronoun, verb phrase, or clause.
- In the inclusive meaning, X is included along with the new information.
- In the exclusive meaning, X is the exception — everything else follows the predicate.
This pattern is extremely common in Chinese conversation and writing. When Chinese people talk about their abilities, travel experiences, or preferences, they naturally reach for 除了. Being able to use this pattern fluently marks a significant step in your Chinese proficiency — it shows you can construct complex, nuanced sentences.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
除了上课，我还要参加各种活动。
Besides attending classes, I also have to participate in various activities.
Inclusive: besides X, also Y
除了我，我姐姐和弟弟也会说中文。
Besides me, my older sister and younger brother can also speak Chinese.
Inclusive with 也
除了北京以外，中国的其他城市我都没去过。
Except for Beijing, I have not been to any other Chinese cities.
Exclusive: except X, all Y
除了周末，我每天都要上班。
Except for weekends, I have to work every day.
除了游泳，他还喜欢打篮球和踢足球。
Besides swimming, he also likes playing basketball and soccer.
除了小王以外，大家都同意了。
Except for Xiao Wang, everyone agreed.
除了英语，她还会法语和日语。
Besides English, she can also speak French and Japanese.
Common Mistakes
The exclusive meaning requires 都 in the second clause. Without 都, the sentence loses its "all except X" emphasis.
After 除了, put just the noun/pronoun being included or excluded. The full predicate goes in the second clause.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
The magic word that determines meaning: 还/也 = "besides, also" (inclusive); 都 = "except for, all else" (exclusive).
以外 is optional in speech but sounds more polished in writing: 除了北京以外 vs. 除了北京.
Practice both patterns side by side to internalize the difference: 除了他，我们都去了 vs. 除了他，我也去了.
This is one of the most frequently tested grammar points — make sure you can identify inclusive vs. exclusive usage.
Homework
Write three inclusive sentences (除了……还/也) and three exclusive sentences (除了……都). For each one, identify whether you are adding information or making an exception.