a unique exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unique exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific case that stands out from the norm or general rule. Example: "In this situation, we are making a unique exception to our policy to accommodate the needs of our clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Bakers don't usually have groupies, but Peter Klann is a unique exception.

The New York Times - Travel

"But Hermès is sort of a unique exception that has managed to grow and still stick to its roots," he said.

The New York Times

But at least part of the appeal of this story is that it offers an astounding, even a unique exception, one that allows people around the world to think about miners without feeling a bit uncomfortable or even guilty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Raising India to the status of a strategic ally, he cut a unique exception in the global nonproliferation regime, proposing that India be allowed to keep its military stockpile even as it gained access to technologies and fuel for its civilian reactors.

The New York Times

Instead of obsessing over China's currency manipulation as if it were a unique exception in a world of untrammeled market forces, the United States must adapt to an environment where exchange rates and trade imbalances are managed consciously and have become a legitimate subject for debate in international forums like the Group of 20.

The New York Times

Fatah, in this sense, is a unique exception, as it remains the only popular based secular nationalist movement left in the Arab world.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In Terekeka Territory, the Mundari Militia emerged as an unique exception to otherwise consistent denial that CAFF existed.

Unicef

The existence of a unique historical exception to this principle--and an exception that reduces the power of the jury precisely when it is most important, i.e., in a prosecution not for harming another individual, but for offending against the Government itself--would be so extraordinary that the evidence for it would have to be convincing indeed.

Cornell University

For that matter, even the constant attention to the material circumstances of the action is realized without any particular visual imagination (with the unique exception of a very brief but wild scene involving flames), without any personal or inventive approach to Nancy's physical struggles.

The New Yorker

One can see in this figure that the data points are concentrated in a relatively narrow region of the diagram with the unique exception of Acremonium chrysogenum, thus suggesting a common behavior which could be tentatively fitted to a linear tendency (dotted line).

Heritage Science

But a 45-year-old Supreme Court precedent had created a "unique circumstances" exception, giving courts some measure of flexibility.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

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

Common error

Avoid using "a unique exception" when simply describing something that is different but not truly unparalleled. "Unique" implies being the only one of its kind. If there are similar exceptions, consider using phrases like "an unusual exception" or "a rare case" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique exception" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific instance that deviates from a general rule or norm. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across various domains. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a unique exception" is a valid and commonly used phrase to denote a specific case that deviates from a general rule. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable across diverse contexts such as science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the general rule and that the exception is, indeed, unique. Consider alternatives like "an unusual case" or "a rare instance" if the exception is not truly one-of-a-kind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unusual case

Emphasizes the rarity and peculiarity of the situation.

a rare instance

Highlights the infrequency of the event or situation.

a peculiar anomaly

Focuses on the deviation from the norm and its odd nature.

an atypical example

Stresses the non-standard nature of the illustration.

an isolated incident

Indicates that the event is not part of a pattern and stands alone.

a one-off situation

Highlights that the scenario is singular and not likely to be repeated.

an uncommon occurrence

Underlines the infrequency of the event taking place.

a special circumstance

Suggests that specific conditions contribute to the exceptional nature.

a marked deviation

Emphasizes the noticeable difference from the standard.

a notable departure

Highlights the significant divergence from the usual course.

FAQs

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

Use "a unique exception" to highlight a case that deviates notably from a general rule or common pattern. For example, "While most companies require a deposit, this client was granted "a unique exception" due to their long-standing relationship with the firm."

What are some alternatives to using "a unique exception"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an unusual case", "a rare instance", or "a peculiar anomaly" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "very unique exception"?

Yes, saying "very unique exception" is redundant because "unique" already means one of a kind. You can simply say ""a unique exception"".

What's the difference between "a unique exception" and "a special case"?

"A unique exception" implies that the situation is the only one of its kind, whereas "a special case" suggests it is treated differently but may not be entirely unparalleled. "A special case" could be something very similar to something seen before. But not "a unique exception".