as an exception to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an exception to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when indicating that something does not follow a general rule or pattern. Example: "All employees must submit their reports by Friday, as an exception to this rule, John can submit his on Monday." Alternative expressions include "with the exception of," "aside from," and "excluding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Depression is sometimes cited as an exception to the rule; rather, it serves as the exceptional case that proves it.

Forbes

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

The governor's aides, however, cite I.B.M. as an exception to that rule.

The New York Times

(She then goes on to rave about "Twilight" as an exception to the rule).

The New Yorker

Ms. Wearing's work is also important as an exception to the ponderous profundities of what might be called video humanism.

The New York Times - Arts

Andrea Jung, the chief executive of Avon Products, is continually cited as an exception to the glass ceiling rule.

The New York Times - Travel

It has been divisive in Congress as well as an exception to American policies against the spread of nuclear materials.

The New York Times

Afghan society settled on treating her as an exception to the rules of gender: she was considered neither female nor male, but American".

The New York Times - Books

But the city worked its magic, and "The Journey of Martin Nadaud" charts the life of a mason who emerged as an exception to the historic rule.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as an exception to", clearly state the general rule first to provide context for the exception. This ensures clarity and avoids confusion.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the exception applies more broadly than intended. Clearly define the specific conditions under which the exception is valid to prevent misapplication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an exception to" functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or verb by indicating a deviation from a general rule or standard. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an exception to" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a deviation from a general rule. It is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content, according to Ludwig's analysis. While versatile, it's essential to clearly define the scope of the exception to prevent misapplication. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its proper usage, affirming its role in precise and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the exception of

Highlights the existence of a specific case that does not conform to the rule.

with the exclusion of

Focuses on what is being left out, emphasizing the excluded element rather than the rule itself.

excluding

A more direct and concise way of stating that something is not included in the general rule.

other than

A straightforward way of indicating something is different or excluded.

save for

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "except for".

apart from

Indicates that something is separate or distinct from the general case.

aside from

Similar to "apart from", but can also imply a secondary or less important consideration.

not including

Clearly states that something is not part of the group or rule.

but not

A simple and direct way of indicating an exclusion.

excepting

A more formal way of saying "except".

FAQs

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

Use "as an exception to" to indicate that something does not follow a general rule or pattern. For example, "All employees must submit reports by Friday; "as an exception to" this, John can submit his on Monday."

What phrases are similar to "as an exception to"?

Similar phrases include "with the exception of", "apart from", and "excluding". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "as a exception to"?

No, the correct phrase is "as an exception to". The article "an" is used because "exception" begins with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "as an exception to" and "with the exception of"?

Both phrases indicate that something is not part of a general rule, but ""as an exception to"" often emphasizes the deviation from the rule, while ""with the exception of"" simply indicates exclusion.