a rare exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rare exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is unusual or not typical in a given context. Example: "While most students complete their assignments on time, Sarah is a rare exception who often submits her work early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Columbia is a rare exception.

Columbia University

Michigan is a rare exception.

The New York Times

Google is a rare exception.

The Guardian

("Annie Hall" is a rare exception).

The New York Times

Pedro Miguel Schiaffino is a rare exception.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr Naidu is a rare exception.

The Economist

The Bryans were a rare exception.

The New Yorker

(Ms Mayer herself is a rare exception).

The Economist

The scepter is a rare exception.

The New York Times

A rare exception is the gas man.

The Economist

But this fishery is a rare exception.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a rare exception", ensure that the context clearly establishes the general rule or pattern from which this exception deviates. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of the exception.

Common error

Avoid using "a rare exception" when describing something that is merely uncommon but not truly exceptional. The phrase should highlight a genuine deviation from an established norm, not just a less frequent occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rare exception" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a specific instance that deviates from a general pattern or rule. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rare exception" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote something that deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, holding a neutral to formal tone. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by first establishing the norm or pattern from which the exception occurs. Related phrases, such as "an unusual case" or "a notable exception", can be used to add nuance. Avoid using it merely for uncommon occurrences; it should represent a true deviation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unusual case

Focuses on the atypical nature of a situation, differing by using "unusual" instead of "rare".

a notable exception

Highlights the significance or importance of the exception, changing the emphasis from rarity to importance.

an infrequent occurrence

Emphasizes the low frequency of the event, replacing "exception" with a more general term.

an atypical instance

Stresses the non-standard nature of the example, using "atypical" instead of "rare" and "instance" instead of "exception".

an isolated incident

Highlights the singularity and disconnectedness of the event, suggesting it's not part of a pattern.

a singular instance

Focuses on the uniqueness of the event, replacing "rare" with "singular".

an uncommon phenomenon

Describes the exception as an unusual or extraordinary event, replacing "exception" with "phenomenon".

a freak occurrence

Suggests the exception is highly unusual and possibly unpredictable, adding a sense of randomness.

an oddity

Presents the exception as something peculiar or strange, simplifying the phrase.

a one-off case

Highlights that the event happened only once and is not expected to be repeated, focusing on its singularity.

FAQs

How can I use "a rare exception" in a sentence?

Use "a rare exception" to point out something that deviates from a general rule or common occurrence. For example, "While most companies require employees to work in the office, our company allows remote work, which is "a rare exception"."

What are some alternatives to "a rare exception"?

You can use alternatives like "an unusual case", "a notable exception", or "an infrequent occurrence depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a rare exception"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something doesn't usually happen or is different from what is normally expected. Make sure the context clearly establishes what the normal expectation is before introducing the exception.

Is there a difference between "a rare exception" and "an exception to the rule"?

While similar, "an exception to the rule" directly implies a broken rule, whereas ""a rare exception"" suggests something uncommon but not necessarily violating a strict rule. The latter is often used for trends or patterns rather than explicit regulations.