barring an emergency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barring an emergency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will happen unless an emergency situation arises. Example: "The meeting will proceed as scheduled, barring an emergency that requires our immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Barring an emergency, helicopters risk flying here only at night.

The New York Times

So barring an emergency, whether the board is in or out of office may not matter, he said.

The New York Times

Barring an emergency, repair work is never completed by the authority during the morning rush hour, in an attempt to spare commuters nightmarish delays.

The New York Times

A strict policy at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority dictated that, barring an emergency, no single component of a station could be fixed unless the entire station underwent a top-to-bottom rehabilitation.

The New York Times

His primary goal, he said, was to reduce the national debt year by year -- barring an emergency -- and to set it on a course for complete elimination by the year 2013.

The New York Times

The saving grace of insurance is that -- barring an emergency -- you don't have to think about it much once you've purchased your plan.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

While an initial diagnostic session can run about $100, regular adjustments range from $40 - $60 and are generally recommended once every six weeks, barring an acute emergency.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But barring a national emergency, it is very difficult to get Congress to operate on a presidential timetable".

The New York Times

They are allowed no contact with the outside world - barring a medical emergency.

BBC

"But barring such a emergency, we do not intend to deploy assets until they are ready".

The New York Times

As far as I'm aware everybody (on the council) agrees that, barring a real national emergency, we shouldn't be drilling here.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barring an emergency" to clearly state an exception to a rule, plan, or expectation. This clarifies potential disruptions and maintains a professional tone in formal communication.

Common error

Avoid using "barring an emergency" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "unless something comes up" are more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barring an emergency" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a statement by introducing a condition or exception. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, conveying that something will occur unless an unforeseen emergency situation prevents it.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "barring an emergency" serves as a prepositional phrase to introduce a conditional exception. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase is most frequently seen in News & Media and Science contexts, and it's considered to have a neutral register, making it appropriate for various formal communications. While alternatives exist, such as "except in an emergency" or "unless there's an emergency", the original phrase provides a clear and concise way to specify conditions under which a statement holds true.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except in an emergency

Focuses on the exception rather than the condition preventing the original plan.

unless there's an emergency

Uses a conditional clause to express the same meaning.

in the absence of an emergency

Emphasizes the lack of an emergency as a condition for the original plan to proceed.

emergency notwithstanding

More formal and concise, placing the emergency as an exception.

short of an emergency

Expresses a similar exception but is slightly less common.

save for an emergency

A more archaic phrasing that conveys the same meaning.

if no emergency arises

Focuses on the condition that the emergency may or may not happen.

assuming no emergency

Similar in meaning, but sets the lack of emergency as an assumption.

absent an emergency

A concise and somewhat formal way to express the same exception.

without an emergency occurring

A more descriptive and less direct way of conveying the same meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "barring an emergency" in a sentence?

Use "barring an emergency" to indicate that something will happen unless an emergency situation arises. For example, "The project will be completed on time, "barring an emergency" that causes unforeseen delays."

What can I say instead of "barring an emergency"?

You can use alternatives like "except in an emergency", "unless there's an emergency", or "if no emergency arises" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "barring an emergency" or "except an emergency"?

"Barring an emergency" is the correct and more common phrase. "Except an emergency" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "barring an emergency" and "in case of emergency"?

"Barring an emergency" means 'unless an emergency happens', indicating an exception to a plan. "In case of emergency" is used to provide instructions or preparations for when an emergency occurs.