an obvious exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obvious exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a case or situation that clearly does not follow a general rule or pattern. Example: "While most students passed the exam, there was an obvious exception in the case of John, who had been ill during the preparation period."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Dougall was an obvious exception.

The Guardian

(Iraq is an obvious exception — many Shiite Islamists there are our close allies).

The New York Times - Magazine

(The violent row in Britain over Iraq's non-existent weaponry is an obvious exception).

The Economist

Bengal, which imported silver from Myanmar (Burma and Chinaa, was, however, an obvious exception.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the classical Vodou tradition, zombies are hardly the stuff of engaging cinema (Wes Craven's being an obvious exception to that rule).

Britannica

The fantastical worlds and sheer inventiveness and imagination of YA is rarely rivalled by adult literature, though George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series (also enjoyed by many teens) is an obvious exception.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

And yet to even so acute a definition the obvious exception is a startling and a formidable one: some of the greatest poetry in the world is in the Authorized or King James Version of the Bible, which is not only a translation but also, as to its appearance in print, identifiable neither with verse nor with prose in English but rather with a cadence owing something to both.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hillary's actually doing better in the early polling than just about any recent candidate at this stage in a presidential race (with the obvious exception of a sitting president running unopposed for re-election).

Huffington Post

It's a problem in many communities and is frowned upon in pretty much anywhere with a modicum of moderation, with a few obvious exceptions like off-brand chan sites and private message boards.

TechCrunch

And with the obvious exception of an extra dimension, how are they really any different than a poster or wall graphic of a customized Android figure?

TechCrunch

There is one obvious exception – and a debatable one.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an obvious exception" to clearly indicate a deviation from a general rule, ensuring the context makes the exception readily apparent to the reader. This strengthens the overall clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an obvious exception" when the exception is already explicitly stated or heavily implied. Redundancy can weaken the impact of your writing and make it seem less concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious exception" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive to identify a case that deviates from a general rule or pattern. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obvious exception" is a commonly used noun phrase to denote a clear deviation from a general rule or pattern. Grammatically sound, it serves to clarify and refine statements by acknowledging counterexamples. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, highlighting its prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the exception is indeed apparent to the audience and avoid redundancy by not stating the obvious. Consider alternatives such as "a clear exception" or "a notable exception" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear exception

Emphasizes clarity and lack of ambiguity in the exception.

a notable exception

Highlights the exception as significant and worthy of attention.

a marked exception

Indicates that the exception is easily noticeable and distinct.

a distinct exception

Stresses the separateness and individuality of the exception.

a conspicuous exception

Suggests that the exception is highly visible and easily observed.

a patent exception

Highlights the obviousness and indisputability of the exception.

a manifest exception

Similar to 'patent', emphasizing the clear and evident nature of the exception.

a well-known exception

Indicates the exception is commonly recognized and acknowledged.

an acknowledged exception

Highlights that the exception is formally or informally admitted.

a recognized exception

Similar to 'acknowledged', emphasizing widespread recognition of the exception.

FAQs

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

You can use "an obvious exception" to point out a case that doesn't follow a general rule. For example: "Most fruits are sweet, but the lemon is "an obvious exception"."

What are some alternatives to "an obvious exception"?

Consider using phrases like "a clear exception", "a notable exception", or "a distinct exception" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an obvious exception"?

It's appropriate to use "an obvious exception" when you want to highlight that something doesn't conform to a general pattern or rule, and this deviation is easily apparent to the reader.

What's the difference between "an obvious exception" and "a possible exception"?

"An obvious exception" refers to something that clearly doesn't fit a rule, while "a possible exception" suggests something that might not fit, indicating more uncertainty or speculation.