are an exemption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are an exemption" is not correct in standard English usage.
It may be intended to convey that something qualifies as an exception, but the correct form would typically be "are an exception." Example: "These rules are an exception to the usual guidelines."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In Manchester, the Tories claimed that they were for hard-working people – yet it seems that hard-working NHS workers are an exemption.

The Guardian

Executors of estates of people who died in 2010 can choose between paying no tax or filing under the 2011 tax parameters, which are an exemption of $5 million per person and a 35 percent top rate.

The New York Times

Generally, costs of lower levels of care are lower than of higher levels, but health centres are an exemption.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There was an exemption already for religious institutions.

The New Yorker

Cameron says there is meant to be an exemption for this.

The Guardian

True, there's an exemption for those earning less than £20,000.

The Guardian - Opinion

(As Kathleen Sebelius, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, has tried to point out, there's an exemption for places of worship).

The New Yorker

There were people getting married so they wouldn't get drafted, because early on, being married was an exemption.

The Guardian - Books

Whether a bank is entitled to similar protection when it is nationalised is by no means clear.Traditionally, there has been an exemption from immunity for states' commercial activities.

The Economist

Depending on how his will was written, there is likely to be an exemption from English inheritance tax and US estate tax on whatever he leaves his wife".

Independent

In Maryland, ballots will ask the question in the affirmative and will explain that there will be an exemption for religious groups.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing exceptions, use grammatically correct alternatives such as "constitute an exception" or "qualify as an exception" to ensure clarity and credibility.

Common error

Do not use "are an exemption". This phrasing is grammatically incorrect. Always opt for "are exceptions" or rephrase using verbs like "constitute" or "qualify as" followed by "an exception".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are an exemption" functions as a predicate nominative, though grammatically flawed. It attempts to identify the subject with a noun that describes its state of being excluded or excepted. Ludwig AI explains that it is not correct in standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "are an exemption" attempts to convey that something is excluded from a rule, it's grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this, advising against its use. Instead, opt for grammatically sound alternatives such as "are an exception", "constitute an exception", or "qualify as an exception". Although "are an exemption" appears in some news and scientific sources, it's best to avoid this phrasing in both formal and informal writing to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy. Remember that clear and correct language enhances credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constitute an exception

Replaces "are" with a more formal verb, emphasizing the act of creating an exception.

qualify as an exception

Highlights the fulfillment of criteria needed to be considered an exception.

represent an exception

Focuses on the idea of being a symbolic or clear example of an exception.

serve as an exception

Emphasizes the function of being an exception to a general rule.

are considered an exception

Shifts the focus to the perception or judgment of something as an exception.

are deemed an exception

Similar to "considered", but suggests a more formal or official judgment.

are treated as an exception

Highlights how something is handled differently due to its exceptional status.

fall under an exemption

Indicates that something is included within the scope of an existing exemption.

are subject to an exemption

Focuses on the exposure or potential for something to be affected by an exemption.

are excluded

Provides a simpler, direct way of expressing that something is not subject to a rule.

FAQs

What's a grammatically correct way to say "are an exemption"?

The grammatically correct way to express this concept is to say "are an exception". Alternatively, you can use phrases like "qualify as an exception" or "constitute an exception".

Is "are an exemption" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "are an exemption" is considered grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in both formal and informal contexts. Use "are an exception" instead.

What does it mean when something "are an exemption"?

The intended meaning is that something is excluded from a general rule or requirement. However, the correct phrasing would be to say that it "are an exception", "qualifies for an exemption", or "falls under an exemption".

Are there situations where "are an exemption" is acceptable?

No, the phrase "are an exemption" is not grammatically correct. It's better to use phrases like "are an exception" to ensure clarity and correctness.