be exempt from

USAGE SUMMARY

"be exempt from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something being exempt or excluded from an obligation. For example, "Students are exempt from certain rules of the school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Politicians shouldn't be exempt from that".

The Guardian

Research would be exempt from the ban.

The New York Times

The website cannot be exempt from these".

The Guardian

Disabled veterans may be exempt from the fee.

The New York Times

And some employees can be exempt from their banks' blackouts.

The New York Times

Why should weather be exempt from such hyperventilation?

The New York Times

Why should observant Muslim women be exempt from this expectation?

Independent

The other may be exempt from complying with securities laws.

The New York Times

The Palestinian Authority should not be exempt from this policy.

The New York Times

Cable said the poorest students would be exempt from fees.

The Guardian

Religious groups would be exempt from the law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be exempt from", clearly state the specific rule, duty, or obligation from which someone or something is excused. For example, instead of saying "They are exempt", specify "They are exempt from paying taxes".

Common error

Avoid using "be exempt from" without specifying the exact condition or regulation. Lack of clarity can lead to misunderstanding or misinterpretation. For example, don't just say "The product is exempt"; instead, say "The product is exempt from import duties under the trade agreement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be exempt from" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject's state of being free from a particular obligation, duty, or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, with examples showing it applied across various contexts, from legal exemptions to general exceptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be exempt from" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone or something is not subject to a particular rule or obligation. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the exact rule or duty from which the subject is excused. Common alternatives include "be free from" and "be immune to". Remember to avoid vague or undefined exemption claims to prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be free from

Emphasizes a state of being without something, suggesting a broader sense of liberation.

be immune to

Implies resistance or protection against something, often used in the context of rules or laws.

be excluded from

Focuses on the act of being left out or not included in a particular group or activity.

be excused from

Suggests a formal release from a duty or obligation, often granted with permission.

be absolved of

Implies a formal or legal release from guilt or responsibility.

be relieved of

Highlights the alleviation of a burden or responsibility.

be excepted from

Indicates a specific deviation from a general rule or standard.

not be subject to

Formally states that someone or something is not under the control or influence of something else.

be dispensed from

Emphasizes the removal of a requirement, often by an authority.

be outside the scope of

Indicates that something falls outside the boundaries or limits of a particular area or subject.

FAQs

How can I use "be exempt from" in a sentence?

Use "be exempt from" to indicate that someone or something does not have to follow a particular rule or is not subject to a certain obligation. For instance, "Small businesses "are exempt from" certain regulations".

What are some alternatives to "be exempt from"?

You can use alternatives like "be free from", "be immune to", or "be excluded from" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "be exempt from" or "be exempted from"?

"Be exempt from" is the standard and more common usage. "Be exempted from" is grammatically correct but less frequently used and often sounds more formal. The key is to select the phrasing that best suits the style and context of your writing.

Is there a difference between "be exempt from" and "be except from"?

"Be exempt from" is the correct and commonly used phrase to indicate an exception from a rule or obligation. "Be except from" is not standard English and should be avoided.