a bit of an exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a bit of an exception' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that is not typical or does not follow the norm: "He was a bit of an exception to the rule, having succeeded in his business without any formal training."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There's probably one race which was a bit of an exception.

Independent

FRANCE has always fancied itself as a bit of an exception.

The Economist

It's because France is a bit of an exception in the world of sailing.

The New York Times - Sports

I think that's probably why I'm a bit of an exception".

The New York Times - Sports

This is my fourth Olympics but I've also realised I'm a bit of an exception.

The Guardian - Sport

Singapore's tiny size makes it a bit of an exception but even its constrained democracy with rivals to the ever-ruling People's Action Party allowed to compete within tight constraints would be a good start for Vietnam.It is true that Vietnam also has neighbours, such as the Philippines and Thailand, where democracy has been a bumpy ride.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Svensson asserts that E.U. law "leaves no space for blanket exceptions" (2015: 241) of the sort found in the U.S., but the assertion is a bit of an overstatement, because there is a "blanket exception" for the hiring of priests and other positions of spiritual leadership.

SEP

THE last movie Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch worked on was "Duplex," a Ben Stiller vehicle with Drew Barrymore that was a bit of a dud, with one shining exception: the set.

The New York Times

The result is a bit of a mixed message: with the exception of a giant multicolored ant painted on the back wall of the dining room, the bugs at the Black Ant are nothing to be afraid of.

The New Yorker

A bit of an understatement.

Forbes

Frankly, the rest of the summer is a bit of a downer, too, with the exceptions of "Boyhood" (July 11), "Love is Strange" (Aug. 22) and perhaps "Get On Up" (Aug. 1), if it can escape the paint-by-numbers biopic approach its trailer suggests.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit of an exception" to subtly highlight a deviation from a general trend or rule without necessarily implying something negative or problematic. This can soften the impact of pointing out differences.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit of an exception" when the deviation is substantial or critical. This phrase downplays the divergence, and thus should not be applied to cases where the exceptional nature fundamentally alters the outcome or interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of an exception" primarily functions as a qualifier or modifier. It identifies a subject as deviating from a general rule or pattern. This can be confirmed by the examples listed by Ludwig, where different situations are described as exceptions to the norm.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit of an exception" is a useful phrase for denoting something that deviates mildly from a general pattern or rule. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across different contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it is important to avoid overstating the significance of the deviation and to consider alternatives such as "somewhat of an anomaly" or "a slight deviation" depending on the context. Remember, it's more about tactfully pointing out a difference than making a strong assertion of irregularity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat of an anomaly

This alternative uses 'anomaly' emphasizing the irregularity of something.

a slight deviation

Focuses on the act of departing from a standard or norm, slightly less intense.

a minor divergence

Highlights the act of branching off or differing in opinion or characteristic.

a partial outlier

Emphasizes the statistical characteristic of being distant from other observations.

somewhat unconventional

Describes a departure from established norms or practices in a general sense.

a touch atypical

Indicates that something is not entirely typical or representative.

a shade unusual

Implies that something is slightly different or not commonly encountered.

a mild oddity

Highlights the strange or peculiar nature of something, though not severely so.

a fringe case

Suggests that something exists at the periphery or edge of a category or situation.

a borderline instance

Indicates that something barely qualifies as an example of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit of an exception" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit of an exception" to describe something that deviates slightly from the norm. For example, "While most students struggled with the exam, she was "a bit of an exception" and aced it."

What are some alternatives to "a bit of an exception"?

Alternatives include "somewhat of an anomaly", "a slight deviation", or "a minor divergence" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a bit of an exception"?

Use "a bit of an exception" when you want to acknowledge that something doesn't quite fit the general pattern but isn't so different as to be entirely dismissed or considered irrelevant. It implies a mild deviation.

What is the difference between "a bit of an exception" and "an outlier"?

"A bit of an exception" suggests a minor departure from the norm, while "an outlier" ("a partial outlier") often implies a more significant or statistically relevant deviation from the average or expected value.