as an exception

USAGE SUMMARY

"as an exception" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when something is deviating from a certain rule or when it is unusual. For example, "As an exception, I am allowing you to bring your phone to school today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is it still plausible to see Morocco as an exception?

The Guardian

It still happens, but as an exception, not the rule.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet my mother is dismissed as an exception.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Baasyir and his school are widely known as an exception to the rule.

The New York Times

He thought of himself as an exception to the black race instead of part of it.

The New York Times

With my child as an exception, of course, they do not seem very bright.

The New York Times

Among all the color-filled paintings in the show, "Hot Dog" stands out as an exception.

The New York Times

He sees himself as an exception to the rule of racial purity.

The Guardian

Citing Sumitomo as an exception, he complained: "In Primorye, there are very few Japanese projects".

The New York Times

We should be eating red meat as an exception, not an everyday food".

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Poor Tim just happened to be the first one caught, so he got by--as an "exception".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as an exception" to clearly signal when a rule or pattern is not being followed. This ensures clarity and avoids confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "as an exception" to excuse repeated deviations from a standard. Overusing it can undermine the validity of the original rule or create a perception of unfairness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an exception" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is deviating from a general rule or standard practice. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is deemed perfectly acceptable in written English, signaling a specific condition or situation that falls outside typical guidelines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as an exception" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to indicate a deviation from a general rule or standard practice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable in written English and is used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, use this phrase to explicitly signal when a rule is not being followed, but avoid overusing it to excuse repeated deviations. Alternatives like "by way of exception" and "in exceptional circumstances" offer similar meanings while potentially adjusting the formality or emphasis. Its frequent use in authoritative sources demonstrates its widespread acceptance and utility in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by way of exception

Formal alternative, indicates something is being treated differently from the norm.

in exceptional circumstances

Highlights the unusual conditions that warrant the deviation.

on an exceptional basis

Similar to "by way of exception", focusing on the specific instance.

as a departure from the norm

More descriptive, emphasizing the deviation from typical behavior.

contrary to the general rule

Directly states the contradiction of a prevailing guideline.

outside the usual parameters

Focuses on the boundaries that are being exceeded.

deviating from standard practice

Emphasizes that the usual practice is being deliberately avoided.

as a special case

Highlights the unique nature of the event or situation.

in this unique instance

Similar to "as a special case", yet it refers to a single occurrence

unusually

More concise, simply indicates that the situation is not typical.

FAQs

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

Use "as an exception" to indicate a deviation from a general rule or pattern. For example, "As an exception, students may submit the assignment late with a valid doctor's note."

What are some alternatives to "as an exception"?

You can use phrases like "by way of exception", "in exceptional circumstances", or "on an exceptional basis" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "as a exception" instead of "as an exception"?

No, the correct phrase is "as an exception". The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

When is it appropriate to use "as an exception" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "as an exception" when you want to explicitly state that something is not following the usual rule or procedure. It helps to highlight the unusual nature of the situation.