an exceptional basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exceptional basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a unique or outstanding foundation for a decision, argument, or situation. Example: "The committee decided to approve the proposal on an exceptional basis due to the unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"We could, on an exceptional basis, take it to 15,000 by adding to the stands at either end of the ground," said the chairman Nigel Wray.

The Guardian - Sport

We gave them a number of extensions on an exceptional basis to allow them to try to secure a job that would allow them to meet the immigration rules.

The Guardian

Mr. Eckhard said the original decision was made on an exceptional basis because Mr. Sevan was retired and not subject to Mr. Annan's instructions to staff members to cooperate with the Volcker panel.

The New York Times

So governments of all colours have long considered that military action, on an exceptional basis, where necessary and proportionate, and as a last resort, to avert an overwhelming humanitarian catastrophe is permissible under international law.

The Guardian

Primary care trusts (PCTs), which decide whether to pay for a non-approved drug for an individual patient on an "exceptional" basis, must have guidance so that they all make their decisions on the same basis and the same information.

The Guardian

But the resolution states clearly that it will be established for one year "on an exceptional basis and without creating a precedent or any prejudice to the agreed principles of peacekeeping".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"We all recognise that the UK's membership of the EU is an issue on which some colleagues have long-standing, deeply-held positions of conviction - hence my decision to set aside, on a highly exceptional basis, the normal rules of collective responsibility.

Independent

4. The use of force to avert overwhelming humanitarian catastrophe has been emerging as a further, and exceptional, basis for the use of force.

The Guardian

In 2010, within the context of DaO, the Executive Boards of the UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF at their annual sessions, on exceptional basis accepted for Tanzania to submit a draft Common Country Programme Document (CCPD) instead of three separate CPDs.

Unicef

Mr. Marshak produced a copy of a permit from the Israeli coordination and liaison authority that deals with Gaza, dated Sunday, stating that it had approved the group's entry on an "exceptional and one-time basis, in light of the special circumstances". It was addressed to Mr. Marshak and a charity, the Candle for Peace and Brotherhood, based in Kafr Qassem, an Arab town in central Israel.

The New York Times

Patient access is highly unlikely to occur in this context unless under an exceptional case-by-case basis, as adjudicated by the various jurisdictions.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an exceptional basis" to clearly indicate that a decision, action, or situation deviates from the norm and requires special consideration. This distinguishes it from routine or standard procedures.

Common error

Avoid using "an exceptional basis" too frequently, as it diminishes its impact and suggests a lack of consistent policies or standards. Reserve it for genuinely rare and justified situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exceptional basis" functions as an adverbial modifier, clarifying the conditions under which something is permitted or enacted. It emphasizes that the action is not routine but rather occurs due to specific, unusual circumstances. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exceptional basis" is a phrase used to denote actions or decisions that deviate from the norm due to unusual or specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its application spans across diverse fields like news, science, and formal business settings. Though not a highly frequent phrase, it is essential for specifying when standard procedures are set aside. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that the situation genuinely warrants a departure from established practices. Consider alternatives like "a unique justification" or "a special dispensation" to add nuance to your writing. Its primary function is to provide justification and to communicate that the scenario is unique and warrants special consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique justification

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the reason or rationale.

a special dispensation

Suggests a formal exemption or allowance not typically granted.

an extraordinary rationale

Highlights the unusual or remarkable nature of the reasoning.

a case-by-case exception

Focuses on the individual and specific nature of the deviation from the norm.

a one-off allowance

Indicates that the permission or exception is granted only once and not repeatable.

an unusual circumstance

Shifts the focus to the uncommon situation that warrants special consideration.

a deviation from standard practice

Highlights the departure from established procedures or norms.

a non-precedent setting instance

Clarifies that the decision should not be considered a model for future actions.

a privileged circumstance

Implies unique factors or advantages that influence the decision.

a singular occasion

Emphasizes the rarity and infrequency of the event or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "an exceptional basis" in a sentence?

You can use "an exceptional basis" to justify actions that deviate from the norm. For example, "The committee approved the funding request on "an exceptional basis", citing the urgent need for disaster relief".

What's the difference between "an exceptional basis" and "a regular basis"?

"An exceptional basis" implies that something is done infrequently and only under special circumstances, whereas "a regular basis" means something is done frequently and routinely.

What can I say instead of "an exceptional basis"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique justification", "a special dispensation", or "an extraordinary rationale" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "an exceptional basis"?

It's appropriate to use "an exceptional basis" when you want to emphasize that a decision or action is not standard practice and is only being done because of specific, unusual circumstances that warrant special attention.