an exception to the rule

USAGE SUMMARY

"an exception to the rule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the fact that there is an instance or a few instances which don't follow the normal pattern or trend. For example: "Although the vast majority of students passed the test, there were a couple of exceptions to the rule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why should it seem exceptional, or an exception to the rule?

Vice

Being an exception to the rule.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Wisconsin is an exception to the rule.

The Washington Post

Will Haysbert prove an exception to the rule?

The Guardian - Film

Kevin Garnett was an exception to the rule.

The New York Times - Sports

There is an exception to the rule, however.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's an exception to the rule that prohibits hearsay evidence.

The New York Times - Sports

Tapit is also an exception to the rule.

The New York Times - Sports

Friday night nonetheless offered an exception to the rule.

The New York Times - Arts

That may be an exception to the rule.

Harvard Business Review

Mounts Baths, however, is an exception to the rule.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an exception to the rule" when you want to emphasize that something doesn't follow the general pattern or trend. For instance, "While most companies struggle during recessions, tech companies were "an exception to the rule"."

Common error

Avoid overusing "an exception to the rule" to justify repeated deviations from established guidelines. This undermines the original rule and weakens your argument. If the exception becomes frequent, re-evaluate the rule itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exception to the rule" serves as a noun phrase identifying a specific instance or situation that deviates from a generally accepted principle or norm. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exception to the rule" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a deviation from a general principle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, academia, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, consider whether alternatives such as "a departure from the norm" or "an anomaly" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of overusing the phrase to justify repeated deviations, as this can undermine the rule itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a departure from the norm

This alternative emphasizes the act of deviating from what is considered standard or typical.

an anomaly

This single-word alternative refers to something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

an irregularity

This suggests a deviation from established regulations or patterns.

a special case

This highlights that the instance is unique and not subject to the usual conditions.

an outlier

This term, often used statistically, refers to a value that differs significantly from other values.

a deviation

This is a general term for departing from an established course or standard.

a one-off

This implies that the instance is unique and unlikely to be repeated.

an unusual instance

This highlights the uncommon nature of the occurrence.

a peculiar incident

This emphasizes the odd or strange nature of the event.

a rare occurrence

This indicates that the event happens infrequently.

FAQs

How can I use "an exception to the rule" in a sentence?

Use "an exception to the rule" when you want to point out that something doesn't conform to the usual pattern or expectation. For example: "Although most plants need sunlight, certain species are "an exception to the rule" and thrive in shade."

What are some alternatives to saying "an exception to the rule"?

Instead of "an exception to the rule", you can use phrases like "a departure from the norm", "an anomaly", or "a special case", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "exceptions to the rule"?

Yes, "exceptions to the rule" is grammatically correct. It's the plural form of "an exception to the rule" and is used when referring to multiple instances that don't follow the general rule.

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

"An exception to the rule" refers to something that doesn't follow the general rule, while "an exemption from the rule" means someone is officially excused from following the rule. The former is a deviation, the latter is a permission not to comply.