a few exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few exceptions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that there are minor deviations from a general rule or statement. Example: "Most of the team members arrived on time, with a few exceptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(With a few exceptions).

The Guardian - Books

There are only a few exceptions.

The New York Times

There have been a few exceptions.

The New York Times

I know of only a few exceptions.

The New Yorker

A few exceptions, however, should be noted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are a few exceptions.

The Guardian - Books

"There may be a few exceptions".

The New York Times

The rules allow a few exceptions.

The New York Times - Travel

Not so — with a few exceptions — national advertisers.

The New York Times

New York's politicians, with a few exceptions, galloped in behind.

The New York Times

With a few exceptions, they were consequential men.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few exceptions", ensure that the exceptions are genuinely minor and don't undermine the overall validity of your statement. Otherwise, rephrase for accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "a few exceptions" if the exceptions are significant or numerous enough to weaken the general rule you're describing. Be precise about the frequency and importance of the exceptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few exceptions" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a general statement or rule holds true, but not universally. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing it modifies a preceding statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few exceptions" is a common and grammatically correct way to acknowledge minor deviations from a general rule or statement. Ludwig AI supports this, and its widespread use across diverse sources—including news, science, and encyclopedias—demonstrates its versatility. When using this phrase, make sure the exceptions are genuinely minor to maintain the accuracy of your writing. Alternatives like "some exceptions" or "a handful of exceptions" can be used depending on the specific context. Be mindful to use precise language where necessary, especially in more formal contexts. Avoid using the phrase if the exceptions undermine the rule you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some exceptions

This alternative is more general and less specific about the number of exceptions.

a small number of exceptions

This alternative is more descriptive and explicitly quantifies the exceptions.

a handful of exceptions

This alternative emphasizes the small number of exceptions.

limited exceptions

This alternative highlights the restricted nature of the exceptions.

isolated exceptions

This alternative emphasizes the uniqueness and rarity of the exceptions.

sparse exceptions

This alternative focuses on the scattered and infrequent nature of the exceptions.

occasional exceptions

This alternative focuses on how exceptions happen sometimes.

certain exceptions

This alternative specifies that some exceptions exist without clarifying how many.

exceptions exist

This alternative is more direct and asserts the existence of exceptions without specifying the quantity.

rare cases

This alternative shifts the focus to the rarity of the situations where the rule doesn't apply.

FAQs

How can I use "a few exceptions" in a sentence?

Use "a few exceptions" to indicate that while a general statement is true, there are some minor deviations. For example, "Most students passed the exam, with "a few exceptions"."

What's the difference between "a few exceptions" and "some exceptions"?

"A few exceptions" suggests a smaller number of deviations compared to "some exceptions", implying greater adherence to the general rule. If the number of exceptions is notably small, prefer "a few".

Are there alternatives to using "a few exceptions" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using more precise language like "limited exceptions" or "isolated exceptions" to convey the specific nature and extent of the deviations. This enhances clarity and accuracy.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a few exceptions"?

Avoid using "a few exceptions" if the exceptions are so numerous or significant that they invalidate the general rule. In such cases, consider rephrasing the statement to better reflect the actual situation or using a phrase that accurately portrays the number of exceptions.