Present company excepted Meaning in English
expression
Definición
This phrase is used to say that a negative comment or criticism does not apply to the people who are currently present.
Uso & Matices
Used in formal or semi-formal speech, often to soften criticism. Usually inserted after making a general negative statement about people. Best not used in written academic texts. Can also be phrased as 'except for present company'.
Oraciones de Ejemplo
People can be lazy sometimes, present company excepted.
basic
Teachers are often strict, present company excepted.
basic
People from that city are unfriendly, present company excepted.
basic
Most politicians lie, present company excepted, of course.
natural
Engineers can be terrible at explaining things—present company excepted!
natural
Journalists tend to exaggerate, present company excepted.
natural