a single exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific case that does not follow a general rule or pattern. Example: "All participants must wear uniforms, with a single exception for those with medical conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There was a single exception.

The New York Times

Not a single exception has come to light.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A single exception was observed in a small subgroup of men with no gray hair".

The New York Times

What we are living through now has happened in all revolutions without a single exception.

The Guardian

With a single exception, the identified firing positions were on Russian soil.

The Guardian

Not one character is named; with a single exception, none of the settings are identified beyond the barest details.

The New Yorker

In this company of shameless or shoddily remorseful adulterers there is a single exception: the unwed Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Guardian - Sport

"All our sales have been to theatergoers," she noted, with a single exception, which was a purchase by an actor in one of the plays.

The New York Times

Moreover, while Volapük was almost as hard to learn as Latin, Zamenhof's language was to have only 16 basic rules and not a single exception.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With a single exception, every dissenting judge was appointed by a Democratic president and every one else was appointed by a Republican.

The New York Times

And, without a single exception, all the people I know who've done great things in the environmental field have travelled far and wide.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single exception", ensure it's followed by a clear description of the exception to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a single exception" when multiple exceptions exist. Ensure that the exception truly represents only one specific case or category; otherwise, rephrase to accurately reflect the number of exceptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single exception" functions as a qualifier or modifier, indicating that a statement is generally true except for one specific instance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard way to express this concept in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

52%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single exception" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote one specific case that deviates from a general rule. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and understandable. It's prevalent in news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the exception. While perfectly correct, consider alternatives like "one exception" or "a solitary exception" to add nuance. Avoid using it when multiple exceptions exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one exception

Replaces "a single" with "one", a slightly more concise alternative.

a solitary exception

Substitutes "single" with "solitary", emphasizing the isolated nature of the exception.

a unique exception

Replaces "single" with "unique", highlighting the distinctiveness of the exception.

an isolated exception

Emphasizes the separation of the exception from the norm.

a lone exception

Uses "lone" instead of "single" to convey the exception's singularity.

a rare exception

Highlights the infrequency of the exception.

an uncommon exception

Similar to "rare exception", but with a slightly different nuance.

a departure from the norm

Expresses the concept as a deviation from the standard.

an anomaly

Uses a single word to denote something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

excluding one instance

Phrases the concept as an exclusion of one particular case.

FAQs

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

Use "a single exception" to indicate that a rule or pattern holds true in almost all cases, with only one specific instance where it does not. For example, "All employees are required to attend the meeting, with "a single exception" for those on medical leave".

What are some alternatives to "a single exception"?

Alternatives include "one exception", "a solitary exception", or "a unique exception". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "with a single exception"?

Yes, the phrase "with "a single exception"" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce a case that deviates from a general rule.

What's the difference between "a single exception" and "no exceptions"?

"A single exception" indicates that there is one case that does not follow a rule, while "no exceptions" means that the rule applies universally without any deviations.