an exceptional case

USAGE SUMMARY

"an exceptional case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is unusual or atypical. For example, "The court recognized that this was an exceptional case and granted an exception to the rule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This was an exceptional case where we had international and local backing.

The New York Times

The western Balkans remains an exceptional case.

The Economist

"Spider-Man" is an exceptional case.

The New York Times

"This was an exceptional case.

The Guardian

"But Howard Safir is an exceptional case.

The New York Times

But cannabis is an exceptional case.

The Guardian

Japan emerged as an exceptional case.

The New York Times - Science

But he is an exceptional case.

The New York Times

And Carle may prove an exceptional case.

The New York Times

Greece is an "exceptional case", Mrs Merkel insists.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You might object that Hans is an exceptional case, but in several ways he is not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an exceptional case" to emphasize that a situation deviates significantly from the norm and requires special consideration or treatment. This highlights the need for a tailored approach rather than a standard solution.

Common error

Avoid using "an exceptional case" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for situations that truly warrant such a description. Overuse can lead to the perception that every situation is being treated as unique, diluting the significance of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exceptional case" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific instance that deviates from the usual or expected, requiring special attention or treatment. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exceptional case" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies a situation diverging from the norm, often warranting special consideration. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples highlights its prevalence in news, science, and other fields. While highly useful, it should be employed judiciously to maintain its impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, using the phrase correctly and sparingly will enhance your writing's precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rare instance

Focuses on the infrequency of the situation.

an uncommon situation

Highlights the unusual nature of the circumstance.

an atypical example

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm.

an extraordinary event

Stresses the remarkable nature of the occurrence.

a singular occurrence

Implies a unique and isolated event.

a peculiar situation

Highlights the odd or strange aspect of the case.

an unprecedented circumstance

Suggests that there is no prior example of this situation.

a one-off event

Indicates that this is a single, non-recurring incident.

an isolated incident

Emphasizes the separation of this event from others.

a freak occurrence

Suggests a random and highly unusual event.

FAQs

How to use "an exceptional case" in a sentence?

You can use "an exceptional case" to describe a situation that deviates from the norm and requires special consideration. For example, "Due to the unique circumstances, this was "an exceptional case" that warranted immediate action."

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

You can use alternatives like "a rare instance", "an uncommon situation", or "an atypical example" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an exceptional case" or "a exceptional case"?

"An exceptional case" is correct. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an exceptional case" and "an extreme case"?

"An exceptional case" implies a deviation from the norm, whereas "an extreme case" /s/an+extreme+case suggests a situation that is at the highest degree or most severe end of a spectrum. The two phrases are very interchangeable.