are the exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are the exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something or someone does not conform to a general rule or pattern. Example: "Most students passed the exam, but a few are the exception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

These are the exception.

The Economist

But they are the exception.

The New York Times

Miscues are the exception, however.

The New York Times - Food

But such triumphs are the exception.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately, such lines are the exception.

The New York Times - Books

Fruits that people like are the exception.

The New York Times

Excoriations are the exception, not the rule.

The New York Times

Such happy occasions are the exception, though.

The New York Times

But moments like that are the exception.

The New York Times - Food

But such vehicles are the exception.

The New York Times

But those incidents are the exception.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are the exception" when you want to emphasize that something or someone does not follow a general rule or is atypical in a specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "are the exception" when describing something that's slightly different. This phrase indicates a significant deviation from the norm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are the exception" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something or someone does not conform to a general rule or pattern. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are the exception" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote instances that deviate from a norm. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its function is to qualify specific cases as atypical, a point confirmed by its presence across numerous reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While used across various contexts, including news, science, and business, it maintains a neutral register. When aiming for similar meanings, alternatives such as "are not typical" or "deviate from the norm" can be employed for varied emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not typical

Directly states the atypical nature of the subject.

deviate from the norm

Highlights the act of straying from the standard or expected.

constitute the anomaly

Emphasizes the irregularity or deviation from the norm.

prove to be uncommon

Emphasizes the rare or infrequent occurrence of the subject.

represent the deviation

Highlights the act of differing from a standard or expected course.

are the odd ones out

Highlights the state of being excluded or different from the group.

go against the grain

Implies a contradiction to the prevailing trend or pattern.

stand out as different

Focuses on the distinctiveness and divergence from the majority.

buck the trend

Suggests resisting or going against the prevailing trend.

form the minority

Indicates being part of a smaller group that differs from the majority.

FAQs

How can I use "are the exception" in a sentence?

You can use "are the exception" to indicate that something deviates from the general rule. For example, "While most companies struggle, a few "are the exception" and thrive."

What's a good alternative to "are the exception"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are not typical", "deviate from the norm", or "stand out as different", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "are the exception"?

It's appropriate when highlighting a significant deviation or outlier from a common pattern or rule. It emphasizes that something is unusual or rare.

How does "are the exception" differ from "are typical"?

"Are the exception" indicates a departure from the norm, while "are typical" suggests conformity to the usual pattern. They are antonyms.