Is there any difference between the two?
Example:
You don't like to see others suffering, except (if) they're suffering for you.
If the version with or without the if the correct one?
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Sign up to join this communityIs there any difference between the two?
Example:
You don't like to see others suffering, except (if) they're suffering for you.
If the version with or without the if the correct one?
You don't like to see others suffering, except if they're suffering for you.
except if here is the same as unless.
except can otherwise only be followed by nouns:
You don't like fruit except for bananas.
You don't like driving except if [unless] you are the driver.
except + [if clause]=unless
You would have liked the movie except if it had been really bad.
In more formal writing, it's better to use unless, in everyday utterances except if is fine.
If I had ever said 'except if', my teachers would've come down on me like a ton of bricks. Please use 'unless'. Don't come unless you really want to. He won't see you unless you have an appointment. Etc. Don't complicate your lives trying to work out when to use 'unless' or 'except if' because 'except if' is clumsy and not great English. 'Unless' is the one to choose - except if you don't want to speak the best English! LOL From an English teacher ending her 46th year in the profession!