a notable exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a notable exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a specific case that stands out from a general rule or trend. Example: "Most students performed well on the exam, but Sarah was a notable exception, scoring the highest in the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With a notable exception.

Independent

There was a notable exception.

The New York Times

Greenpeace is a notable exception.

The Economist

Aetna is a notable exception.

The New York Times

America is a notable exception.

The Economist

There's a notable exception.

The Guardian - Books

Britain is a notable exception.

The New York Times

A notable exception was Derek Lam's.

The New York Times

(Ron Paul is a notable exception).

The New Yorker

But there was a notable exception.

University of California, Berkeley

Darren Rovell is a notable exception.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a notable exception", ensure it clearly contrasts with a previously stated general rule or observation to provide clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a notable exception" without first establishing the general trend or rule from which it deviates. The exception's significance is lost without a clear point of comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a notable exception" functions as a noun phrase that serves to highlight a specific instance or case that deviates from a general rule, trend, or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to introduce a point of contrast. The word "notable" emphasizes the significance or importance of the exception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a notable exception" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight a specific instance diverging from a general rule or trend. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its use is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. To ensure clear and impactful writing, always establish the general trend before introducing the exception. Considering the frequency of its usage, and the high quality of the sources where the phrase is found, "a notable exception" is a valuable tool for adding nuance and precision to one's writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional instance

Emphasizes the rare and unusual nature of the occurrence.

a noteworthy departure

Focuses on the fact that the departure deserves attention.

a significant departure

Emphasizes the deviation as being important or impactful.

an important deviation

Highlights that the deviation carries significance.

a striking deviation

Implies the deviation is easily noticeable and impactful.

a remarkable deviation

Highlights the exceptional quality of the departure.

an outstanding outlier

Highlights the uniqueness of the exception.

a prominent deviation

Emphasizes the widespread visibility of the deviation.

a distinct anomaly

Focuses on the irregularity and difference from the norm.

a special case

Highlights that this situation is different from all others.

FAQs

How do you use "a notable exception" in a sentence?

Use "a notable exception" to point out a specific instance that deviates from a general trend or rule. For example, "Most of the reviews were negative; "a notable exception" was the reviewer from The New York Times".

What are some alternatives to "a notable exception"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant departure", "an exceptional instance", or "a striking deviation" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a notable exception"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something doesn't follow the usual pattern or rule and is worthy of attention because of this deviation.

What distinguishes "a notable exception" from a general exception?

"A notable exception" implies that the exception is significant or worth mentioning, whereas a general exception simply indicates something that doesn't follow the rule without necessarily being remarkable.