Differences between except for and except

[spoon]

Hi, I need your help!

I can't tell the differences those following sentences including "except for" and "except".

They do nothing except complain all the time.

I did everything except(or except for) the last exercise.

There was complete silence except for the sound of someone coughing.


These examples are from 'Teacher Handouts' on this website.

I'd like to know how to use those two expressions respectively.

Thanks in advance. :)

[hector51]

<this is from www.english-to-go.com/english>
When except is followed by a verb, we usually use the infinitive without “to”.

For example:
You can’t do anything except hope and pray.
He’ll do anything except work.
NOTE: “but” can be used too.

Except is also used with... that…

For example:
In general she was happy, except that she couldn’t spend enough time reading.

When except is followed by a thing or a person, it is usually followed by “for”.

For example:
They enjoyed the whole recital except for the last song.
The party was great, except for the shortage of ice.

I hope you are satisfied, with no exceptions

just found it,hope it help

[spoon]

Tons of thanks to your help! ^^