an exceptional circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exceptional circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation that is unusual or not typical, often justifying a deviation from standard procedures or rules. Example: "In an exceptional circumstance, we may allow for an extension on the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

We submit that neonatal intensive care is an exceptional circumstance.

Early Human Development

Back to my case, I again had an exceptional circumstance.

The Guardian - Opinion

I thought – or at least hoped - this was an exceptional circumstance, a one off, an aberration.

The Times

EasyJet customer services said that, unfortunately, no compensation was payable as this was an exceptional circumstance.

The Guardian - Money

Unless there is an exceptional circumstance, the department will not reimburse alcoholic beverages for visitors.

Columbia University

However, enjoining proceedings in another state requires an exceptional circumstance that outweighs the threat to judicial restraint and comity principles.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

But UKA, in an information letter sent to athletes prior to Christmas, included an "exceptional circumstances" ruling, whereby they could have omitted him.

Independent

The Skipton has done this by enacting an "exceptional circumstances" clause in its mortgage contract, with its chief, David Cutter, saying it could not keep the SVR at 3.5 per cent and still pay enough to savers to attract sufficient deposits.

Independent

This week Britain's Labour government announced its decision to back the Ottawa process, to ban the use of the weapon immediately (though still leaving itself an "exceptional circumstances" loophole) and to phase out its stocks by 2005 at the latest.

The Economist

However, several experienced defense lawyers said they had never won an "exceptional circumstances" motion.

Los Angeles Times

The declaration of war by congressional vote immediately confers a state of exceptional circumstance on the nation — an official state of war — and grants the commander-in-chief war powers.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an exceptional circumstance", ensure you clearly define what makes the circumstance exceptional to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an exceptional circumstance" as a blanket justification for deviations from rules or policies. Always provide specific reasons and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exceptional circumstance" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject complement or object of a preposition, indicating a situation that warrants special consideration, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an exceptional circumstance" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations that deviate from the norm and require special consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clearly define the reasons behind the exceptional nature of the circumstance to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a unique situation" or "an unusual situation" can be used depending on the context. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique situation

Emphasizes the singularity and distinctiveness of the event.

an extraordinary event

Highlights the unusual and remarkable nature of the occurrence.

a rare case

Suggests infrequency and limited occurrence.

an unusual situation

Focuses on the atypical and uncommon characteristics.

a special case

Indicates that it needs to be treated differently from ordinary situations.

an atypical situation

Highlights the deviation from the standard or normal.

a departure from the norm

Focuses on the variance from the expected standard.

an unprecedented situation

Implies there is no prior instance or occurrence of this situation.

a one-off instance

Stresses that it is an isolated occurrence unlikely to be repeated.

an isolated case

Highlights that it is a singular, unconnected occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "an exceptional circumstance" to justify a deviation from the norm. For example, "Due to "an exceptional circumstance", we are extending the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "an exceptional circumstance"?

Alternatives include "a unique situation", "an unusual situation", or "a special case", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to invoke "an exceptional circumstance"?

No, invoking "an exceptional circumstance" should be reserved for genuinely rare and significant situations. Overusing it can diminish its impact and credibility.

What distinguishes "an exceptional circumstance" from a regular problem?

"An exceptional circumstance" is something that is not only a problem, but is also highly unusual, unexpected, and often requires solutions outside standard operating procedures. It's significantly different from "a routine issue".