always an exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always an exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there are instances where a general rule or statement does not apply. Example: "While most people enjoy the summer heat, there is always an exception for those who prefer cooler weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There's always an exception.

The New York Times

Still, there is always an exception that proves the rule.

The Guardian - Sport

Many budget airlines, including Ryanair, refuse to take pets (guide dogs are, as always, an exception); Eurostar is also out.

The Guardian - Travel

There's always an exception that proves the rule, though, and one member of that generation is able to make that claim.

The Guardian - Sport

But there's always an exception to every rule, and the great exception to this one is the early season county cricket fan.

The Guardian - Sport

It may be a cave, alas, of largely forgettable dreams – but then Herzog's reveries, even at their least extravagant, are always an exception, and it doesn't take an albino crocodile to see that.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A friend would always say, "We only drink liquor the color of our skin," but we always made an exception for Ciroc - we always made an exception for Diddy.

Huffington Post

"She would always be an exception there.

The New York Times - Sports

But 62-year-old Pakistan has always been an exception.

The New York Times

If young adulthood is the new rule, there can always be an exception.

The New York Times - Sports

A beat. "Oh, well, we can always make an exception," he replied cheerfully.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "always an exception", ensure that the context clearly establishes the general rule or trend from which the exception deviates. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "always an exception" in contexts where no general rule or pattern has been previously established. Without a clear rule, the phrase loses its meaning and can confuse the reader. Always ensure the rule is evident before introducing the exception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always an exception" functions as a qualifier or modifier. It indicates that while a general rule or trend exists, there are instances that deviate from it. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its role in acknowledging deviations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "always an exception" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the existence of deviations from a general rule or trend. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively acknowledges that not all cases conform neatly to established patterns. Predominantly found in neutral contexts such as news media and scientific writing, its purpose is to provide nuance and accuracy by recognizing outliers. When using the phrase, ensure the general rule is clearly established to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "there are exceptions" or "not always the case".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's an exception to every rule

States the common saying about every rule having exceptions.

the rule is not without exceptions

Highlights that the rule has cases where it does not apply.

there's always a caveat

Replaces "exception" with "caveat", emphasizing a condition or limitation.

there will always be deviations

Uses the word "deviations" to suggest instances of straying from the standard.

exceptions are always present

Reorders the sentence to highlight the existence of exceptions.

there is no hard and fast rule

Indicates the absence of an absolute rule without exceptions.

there are always some outliers

Replaces "exception" with "outliers", suggesting data points that deviate from the norm.

it's not always a certainty

Emphasizes the lack of absolute certainty.

not all cases are the same

General statement about the variation of cases.

certain aspects can be different

Underscores the potential for differences in specific aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "always an exception" in a sentence?

You can use "always an exception" to indicate that there are instances where a general rule or statement does not apply. For example, "While most cats dislike water, there's "always an exception" for some breeds like the Turkish Van".

What are some alternatives to "always an exception"?

Alternatives include phrases like "there are exceptions", "not always the case", or "exceptions exist", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "always an exception"?

Yes, the phrase "always an exception" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate that there are instances that deviate from a general rule.

What's the difference between "always an exception" and "an exception to the rule"?

"Always an exception" emphasizes that exceptions are consistently present, while "an exception to the rule" simply indicates that a particular instance deviates from the norm. The former suggests a recurring pattern, the latter a singular occurrence.