but with few exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

"but with few exceptions" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that contrasts with the previous statement, indicating that there are only a few cases where the statement does not apply. Example: The park is open to visitors every day, but with few exceptions on major holidays.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But with few exceptions, investors should know better.

The New York Times

But with few exceptions I only found trends that favored OA.

Harvard University

But with few exceptions, governments have left non-profits to intervene on self-control itself.

Princeton University

But, with few exceptions, Congress does not like to punish its own.

The Economist

But, with few exceptions, they still pretend he would be an acceptable Republican standard-bearer.

The Washington Post

But with few exceptions, every day, Harrison woke up and kept moving forward.

The Washington Post

But with few exceptions, the political activism has been short lived.

The New York Times - Arts

But, with few exceptions, the fiscal scolds have had nothing good to say about the bill.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The deductions vary by state but this year, with few exceptions, the department reduced the amounts, sometimes cutting them in half or more.

The New York Times

Fifty-three of them were released from prison with great fanfare in 1997, but are left, with few exceptions, in a precarious legal limbo.

The New York Times

It is a methodology for change, often used in the private sector but, which is, with few exceptions, neglected in humanitarian work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but with few exceptions", consider specifying what the exceptions are to provide a more complete picture to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using overly broad statements without acknowledging exceptions. The phrase "but with few exceptions" is useful when you want to avoid making an absolute claim that might be inaccurate or misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but with few exceptions" functions as a qualifier or conjunction phrase. It serves to introduce a caveat or limitation to a preceding statement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to express that a general rule holds true, barring some specific instances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

The Guardian - Opinion

1%

Forbes

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but with few exceptions" is a versatile and grammatically sound conjunction phrase used to introduce a qualification to a general statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts, showcasing its suitability for both formal and neutral registers. When writing, it's crucial to consider clarifying what the exceptions are when using the phrase. By using "but with few exceptions", writers can achieve greater precision and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, in most cases

Replaces "but with few exceptions" focusing on the majority of instances where a statement holds true.

although, with limited exceptions

Highlights the exceptions while affirming the overall validity of a statement.

yet, for the most part

Similar to the original phrase, emphasizes the general truth despite some deviations.

though, a few instances aside

Expresses a concession with minor divergences.

despite that, barring some instances

Similar to the original, it underscores the primary claim despite infrequent exceptions.

nevertheless, save for some

A more formal way of expressing a general statement with specific exceptions.

still, barring a handful

Indicates that only a small number of cases are different from the general rule.

nonetheless, except for a minority

Focuses on the smaller portion that does not conform to the general rule.

even so, outside of some cases

Acknowledges the exceptions while reinforcing the prevailing situation.

that being said, excluding some

Indicates a transition while acknowledging a set of exclusions from the norm.

FAQs

How can I use "but with few exceptions" in a sentence?

You can use "but with few exceptions" to introduce a statement that acknowledges some deviations from a general rule. For example, "The library is open every day, but "with few exceptions", it's closed on public holidays."

What are some alternatives to "but with few exceptions"?

Some alternatives include "however, in most cases", "yet, for the most part", or "although, with limited exceptions".

Is it better to list the exceptions after "but with few exceptions"?

Listing the exceptions after using "but with few exceptions" can provide more clarity and precision to your statement, making it more informative for the reader.

What is the difference between "but with few exceptions" and "with no exceptions"?

"But with few exceptions" indicates that a statement is generally true but has some deviations, while "with no exceptions" implies that the statement is universally true without any deviations.