conspicuous exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conspicuous exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to highlight a notable or obvious exception to a general rule or trend. Example: "While most students performed well on the exam, Sarah was a conspicuous exception, scoring significantly lower than her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The study noted a conspicuous exception.

The New York Times

One conspicuous exception was 2008's Iron Man.

The Guardian - Film

Ayn Rand, however, is a conspicuous exception to this rule.

The Economist

Worms usually lack appendages; polychaete annelids are a conspicuous exception.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Markhams Building, on Pritchard Street, is a conspicuous exception).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The "conspicuous exception," he said, was employment discrimination.

The New York Times

This year's budget scramble also produced disheartening environmental outcomes -- with one conspicuous exception.

The New York Times

One conspicuous exception was Jamieson, a man who has what Tom Wolfe called "the right stuff".

The Guardian - Sport

One conspicuous exception has been Target's Clear RX packaging for its prescription bottles.

The New York Times

Rachel Barany, an educational consultant in New York, is a conspicuous exception.

The New York Times - Tech

With the conspicuous exception of Jupiter, all the bright planets are poorly placed at present.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conspicuous exception" to clearly highlight a deviation from a widely accepted rule or trend, ensuring the reader understands the exception is both noticeable and significant.

Common error

Avoid using "conspicuous exception" for minor deviations. This phrase is best reserved for instances where the exception is genuinely significant and stands out from the norm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conspicuous exception" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "conspicuous" modifies the noun "exception". It is used to identify a particular instance that notably deviates from a general pattern or rule. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is both correct and usable in written English, highlighting its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conspicuous exception" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a notable deviation from a general rule or trend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered correct and usable in written English. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. To effectively utilize this phrase, ensure the exception you're highlighting is genuinely significant and stands out. Alternatives like "notable exception" or "obvious exception" can provide similar emphasis with slight variations in nuance. Overall, "conspicuous exception" is a valuable tool for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Notable exception

Replaces "conspicuous" with "notable", indicating the exception is worthy of attention.

Obvious exception

Substitutes "conspicuous" with "obvious", emphasizing the ease with which the exception can be seen.

Prominent exception

Uses "prominent" instead of "conspicuous", suggesting the exception stands out in importance.

Striking exception

Replaces "conspicuous" with "striking", implying the exception is remarkable and easily noticed.

Remarkable exception

Uses "remarkable" instead of "conspicuous", conveying that the exception is noteworthy and unusual.

Significant exception

Substitutes "conspicuous" with "significant", indicating the exception is important or consequential.

Clear exception

Replaces "conspicuous" with "clear", stressing the lack of ambiguity in the exception.

Manifest exception

Uses "manifest" instead of "conspicuous", meaning the exception is plainly apparent or obvious.

Evident exception

Substitutes "conspicuous" with "evident", implying the exception is easily perceived or understood.

Apparent exception

Replaces "conspicuous" with "apparent", suggesting the exception is readily visible or understood.

FAQs

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

The phrase "conspicuous exception" is used to point out a clear and easily noticeable deviation from a general rule or trend. For example: "While most stocks declined, technology stocks were a "conspicuous exception"."

What are some alternatives to "conspicuous exception"?

Some alternatives to "conspicuous exception" include "notable exception", "obvious exception", or "prominent exception", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "conspicuous exception" versus "minor deviation"?

"Conspicuous exception" should be used when the deviation is significant and easily noticeable. "Minor deviation" is more appropriate for small or less important departures from the norm.

Is "glaring exception" similar in meaning to "conspicuous exception"?

Yes, "glaring exception" is similar to "conspicuous exception", but it often implies a more negative connotation, suggesting the exception is not only noticeable but also problematic or undesirable. "Conspicuous exception" is more neutral.