brief exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief exception" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence when referring to an instance or period of time that deviates from the norm. For example: "Despite the team's usual success, their performance last night was a brief exception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

There was one brief exception to this rule.

Independent

With the brief exception of Thursday night, the Nets have been losing patience with Armstrong.

The New York Times - Sports

With one brief exception, none have held more than a one-game lead in that time.

The New York Times

Perhaps understandably, Ives's improvisations, with one brief exception, all refer to the prose sections.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet theState Senate, with a brief exception after the2008 election, has been consistently controlledby Republicans.

The New York Times

Successive French governments – with the brief exception of a Socialist government in the 1990s – have ferociously defended these imbalances.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

With brief exceptions, The Post did not print on Sundays before 1996.

The New York Times

With brief exceptions, they have not had consistently good quarterback play.

The New York Times - Sports

With only a few brief exceptions, Woodfox had been held in his prison cell, alone, for twenty-three hours every day.

The New Yorker

With only a few brief exceptions, Woodfox had been held in his prison cell, alone, for twenty-three hours every day.

The New Yorker

Until recently, Americans have driven more each year than the previous one, with a few brief exceptions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brief exception", ensure that the context clearly establishes the general rule or pattern from which the exception occurs. This provides clarity and emphasizes the significance of the deviation.

Common error

Avoid using "brief exception" to describe a situation where the exception is more significant or prolonged than the norm. This can mislead the reader and undermine the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief exception" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a modifier or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a temporary deviation from a general rule or pattern.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief exception" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, denoting a short-lived deviation from a general rule or pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. As the analysis indicates, it appears commonly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, highlighting its versatility across various registers. When using "brief exception", ensure that the underlying norm or pattern is clearly established. Related phrases include “short-lived deviation” and “temporary anomaly”. Avoiding overshadowing the exception is essential to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short-lived deviation

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the departure.

temporary anomaly

Highlights the unusual and transient nature of the exception.

fleeting aberration

Stresses the abnormality and briefness of the occurrence.

passing divergence

Focuses on the act of straying briefly from the norm.

momentary lapse

Implies a temporary failure to adhere to standards.

limited digression

Suggests a controlled and short departure from the main point.

isolated instance

Emphasizes that the exception is a single, rare occurrence.

one-time inconsistency

Highlights the lack of uniformity on a single occasion.

singular departure

Focuses on the uniqueness of the deviation.

rare divergence

Emphasizes that straying away from the norm does not occur often.

FAQs

How can I use "brief exception" in a sentence?

You can use "brief exception" to indicate a short-lived deviation from a general rule or pattern. For example: "The company's profits were consistently high, with a "brief exception" during the recession."

What are some alternatives to "brief exception"?

Alternatives include "short-lived deviation", "temporary anomaly", or "fleeting aberration" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "brief exception" in formal writing?

Yes, "brief exception" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing data, trends, or policies. Ensure the context clearly establishes the norm before introducing the "brief exception".

What's the difference between "brief exception" and "rare exception"?

"Brief exception" refers to the duration of the exception, while "rare exception" refers to its frequency. A situation could be both a "brief exception" and a "rare exception", but they emphasize different qualities of the deviation.