by exception merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by exception merely" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where something is being addressed only in specific cases or instances, rather than generally. Example: "The policy applies to all employees, by exception merely for those with special circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A "federation by exception" merely draws the logical consequences from the ineffectiveness of the fines envisaged by the SGP, and is fully consistent with the concept of subsidiarity that has been applied since the SGP's introduction: as long as national economic policy complies with the framework, there are no sanctions.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Christ's morality is sheer sympathy with the other and his conception of justice is poetic, 'For him there were no laws: there were exceptions merely'.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, most important, "federation by exception" would ultimately cease to be an exception.

The Guardian - Business

"You can't do it by exception.

The New York Times

"That used to be something we did by exception.

The New York Times

The lone exception to this litany of praise is the strong score by Marc Shaiman, which is not matched by the merely serviceable songs by Shaiman and co-lyricist Scott Wittman.

Huffington Post

By implication, merely feminine.

The New Yorker

They will abide by it merely if it suits them.

The Economist

Still, the problem is that, with rare exception, the characters merely talk about the things that helped bring the world's financial system to the brink.

The New York Times

Yet almost without exception, SAs are merely bright young things, promoted through the New Labour machine, who know nothing of the departments to which their ministers are assigned.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Science by assertion is merely pseudo-science".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by exception merely" when you want to clearly state that a particular action or rule is not generally applicable, but only applies in specific, unusual circumstances. This helps avoid ambiguity and sets clear boundaries for its application.

Common error

Avoid using "by exception merely" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your text sound overly formal or stilted. Consider simpler, more direct alternatives like "only in rare cases" or "just for exceptions" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by exception merely" functions as an adverbial modifier, limiting the scope of a statement or rule. It indicates that something applies only in specific, unusual circumstances. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by exception merely" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that a rule or action applies only in rare or exceptional circumstances. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for use in written English. While it is not a frequently used expression, it is best suited for formal contexts such as news articles, encyclopedia entries, and formal business communications. Simpler alternatives, such as "only in exceptional cases", may be more appropriate in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only in exceptional cases

Focuses on the rarity of the event, highlighting that it is not the norm.

just for exceptions

Emphasizes that the rule or action applies solely when an exception is present.

only as an exception

Indicates that something happens solely when treated as an exception to a general rule.

merely as the exception

Highlights the limited and exceptional nature of the occurrence.

simply when exceptional

Conveys that something is done only under conditions of exceptionality.

solely for rare cases

Highlights the infrequency and specificity of the situations in which it applies.

specifically for exceptions

Underlines the intentional and targeted application to exceptional instances.

in exceptional circumstances only

This alternative stresses the specific conditions under which something applies.

just in extraordinary instances

Conveys the rarity and unusual nature of the cases in which it is applicable.

exclusively for atypical situations

Highlights the restriction to situations that deviate from the norm.

FAQs

How can I use "by exception merely" in a sentence?

You can use "by exception merely" to indicate that a rule or process applies only in specific, unusual circumstances. For example: "The policy applies to all employees, "by exception merely" for those with documented medical needs."

What are some alternatives to "by exception merely"?

Alternatives include "only in exceptional cases", "just for exceptions", or "only as an exception". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "by exception merely" formal or informal?

"By exception merely" tends to be more formal. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "just for exceptions" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "by exception merely" and "as a general rule"?

"By exception merely" indicates a specific instance that deviates from the norm, while "as a general rule" describes the norm itself. They are contrasting concepts.