a glaring exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a glaring exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a notable or obvious deviation from a general rule or trend. Example: "While most students performed well on the exam, John was a glaring exception, scoring significantly lower than his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The problem is that they are a glaring exception rather than a trend in Japan.

The New York Times

(A glaring exception to the new and improved is the airport's taxi service).

The New York Times

It is hard not to see in Mr. Bourdieu's own career a glaring exception to his sociological rules.

The New York Times - Arts

Like many farmers who receive subsidies -- a glaring exception to America's ostensible free-market values -- he argues that the United States needs some agricultural self-sufficiency and that no cotton farmer could break even at market prices.

The New York Times

In a presidency that has been marked by Trump's notable successes in transforming the federal judiciary — 15 circuit judges have already been installed under Trump, and the Senate is poised to soon confirm up to six more — the famously liberal 9th Circuit stands out as a glaring exception.

The Washington Post

"Everybody likes to make money, and we are kind of a glaring exception to the industry in how fast we've made it, but this is not about egos or money," he says, simultaneously dividing his attention among the television, the prospective Preakness entrants on his computer screen, his e-mail and the interviewer across the desk.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Even in South Africa, where a soaring crime rate has produced a noisy pro-restoration campaign, backed by opposition parties, the government has adamantly, and so far successfully, refused to consider such a move.The most glaring exception to the emerging international consensus on the death penalty is the United States.

The Economist

In general, this has been a success — with one glaring exception.

TechCrunch

Today, every country in the world is a party--with one glaring exception.

HuffPost

The one glaring exception was 2004-5 when a pouting Bryant, surrounded by a subpar supporting cast, finished 34-48 (.415) and missed the playoffs.

The New York Times

There is one glaring exception, though: American corporations, a group that in the past few years has learned to salt away its gains.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the norm or pattern from which the exception deviates, enhancing clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a glaring exception" when the 'exception' is actually a common occurrence or a standard variation within a set of data. This can dilute the phrase's impact and misrepresent the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glaring exception" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subjective complement, emphasizing the distinctiveness of the subject. Ludwig examples illustrate how it highlights a deviation from an established norm or pattern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glaring exception" is a phrase used to emphasize a noticeable deviation from a norm. It functions as a noun phrase and is commonly found in news and media, as shown by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, it should be used judiciously to highlight truly significant deviations. Consider alternatives like "a striking deviation" or "a notable anomaly" for variety. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a valuable tool for writers aiming to emphasize the unusual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a notable anomaly

Focuses on the irregularity and peculiarity of the exception.

a striking deviation

Emphasizes the unexpected or noticeable nature of the difference.

an obvious inconsistency

Stresses the clear lack of alignment with expectations.

a conspicuous departure

Highlights the obvious divergence from the norm.

a plain divergence

Highlights the simple and easy-to-see nature of the exception.

a remarkable outlier

Uses statistical terminology to denote a data point far from others.

a patent discrepancy

Emphasizes the easily detectable difference.

an evident contradiction

Points out a clear inconsistency or conflict.

a manifest irregularity

Indicates an abnormality that is clearly apparent.

a telling divergence

Suggests the difference reveals something significant.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a glaring exception" in a sentence?

Use "a glaring exception" to emphasize something that stands out as a notable deviation from the norm or general trend. For instance, "While most companies reported profits, this one was "a glaring exception", showing a significant loss".

What are some alternatives to "a glaring exception"?

You can use alternatives such as "a striking deviation", "a notable anomaly", or "a conspicuous departure" to convey a similar meaning while varying your language.

Is it always appropriate to use "a glaring exception", or are there contexts where it's unsuitable?

While generally acceptable, using "a glaring exception" is unsuitable when the deviation is minor or expected. It's best reserved for situations where the exception is significant and unexpected, making it truly stand out from the rest.

What makes something a "glaring" exception versus just a regular exception?

The term "glaring" implies that the exception is not only noticeable but also particularly obvious or striking. It suggests that the difference is hard to ignore and might even be somewhat problematic or noteworthy. A regular exception might be more subtle.