Example:
example: “I finished my project, except not.”
translation: (a) I finished writing my paper but still have to write my speech. (b) I finished my speech but still have to write my paper. (c) All I have left to do is practice my speech. (d) I’m all done except for finding
props. (e) etc.
example: “I’m taking band next year, except not.”
translation: (a) I’m only taking a semester of band. (b) I got stuck in the freshmen class. (c) I’m not in
band class but I’m
marching. (d) etc.
example: “I ate breakfast this morning, except not.”
translation: (a) I ate half a piece of toast for breakfast. (b) I ate during
homeroom. (c) I ate and found out later it wasn’t breakfast. (d) etc.
note: “except not” phrases are almost always followed by an explanation.