But that’s how languages work… I think you should try to read the Oxford Dictionary and come back with an apology when you are finished

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/except_1

I have them all, except 5 and 12. Not from the States, so no aol. And cheques were fazed(?) out really early here, so have never seen one in use. The crossover breed of XMillenial here.