constitute an exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'constitute an exception' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used in the context of making an exception to a general rule. For example: "Certain items do not qualify for free shipping, but books constitute an exception."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Did what happened in Iraq constitute an exception?

The New York Times

The first artist who springs to mind when Dada is mentioned, Marcel Duchamp, would constitute an exception, but he really wasn't a Dadaist.

The New Yorker

And to this generalization the Eleventh Amendment, despite the outcry about sovereign immunity and the sovereignty of the states which preceded its adoption, does not constitute an exception.

Cornell University

Semitransparent ice clouds, such as cirrus, constitute an exception to this rule since their differential transmission cause larger negative differences.

Applied Water Science

As we suggested earlier on, transnational marriages constitute an exception to the normal practice of unions between Chinese partners with a shared cultural background (Jeffreys and Pan 2013).

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Other indirect methods such as intra-gastric and intra-rectal pressure measurements rather constitute an exception than the rule and were stated to be performed by no more than 6% of respondents (Table 1).

Annals of Intensive Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The flag of the Vatican city-state constitutes an exception to that rule.

Britannica

In the federal courts, the plain-error doctrine constitutes an exception to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 30's requirement that defendants make timely objections to instructions.

Cornell University

Two groups of scholars may be seen to have constituted an exception to this generalization: anthropologically minded linguists and linguists concerned with Bible translation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The de dicto reading arising with verbs constitutes an exception to two fundamental laws of medieval semantics, known as (1) Existential Generalization and (2) Substitutivity of Identicals (Hausser 1999, Sect. 20.4).

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Although large variations in crustal structure exist across the study area, though the crustal model for the Oki-Daito Rise constitutes an exception, we can summarize our results as follows.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constitute an exception", clearly state the rule or norm from which the exception deviates to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that an exception invalidates the general rule. Always emphasize that the exception is a specific instance that does not negate the broader principle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute an exception" functions as a predicate in a sentence. It typically describes a subject that deviates from a general rule, pattern, or norm. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

18%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constitute an exception" is grammatically sound and commonly employed to denote a deviation from a general rule or norm. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use. Its prevalence in scientific, news, and academic contexts underscores its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure clear context to highlight the rule being deviated from. Related phrases include “represent an anomaly” and “form a deviation”, each offering subtle differences in emphasis. When writing, avoid the common mistake of letting an exception invalidate the general rule, and clarify that exceptions do not negate the broader principle. In summary, "constitute an exception" is a reliable and widely applicable phrase for indicating departures from established patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent an anomaly

Focuses on the irregularity or deviation from the norm.

form a deviation

Highlights the act of diverging from a standard or typical path.

exemplify a departure

Emphasizes the act of moving away from a usual practice or belief.

stand as an exclusion

Directly indicates being left out or not subject to a rule.

be considered atypical

Suggests something that doesn't conform to the usual type.

act as a special case

Highlights unique circumstances that require different handling.

prove to be an outlier

Focuses on the statistical infrequency of the occurrence.

present a divergence

Highlights the difference or variance from a standard path or expectation.

offer an exemption

Indicates a release from a general requirement or duty.

become an irregularity

Highlights something that departs from what is normal or standard.

FAQs

How can I use "constitute an exception" in a sentence?

Use "constitute an exception" to indicate that something is an exception to a general rule or pattern. For instance, "While most members pay dues, honorary members "are an exception"".

What are some alternatives to "constitute an exception"?

Alternatives include "represent an anomaly", "form a deviation", or "act as a special case", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "constitute an exception" or "constitutes an exception"?

"Constitute an exception" is used with plural subjects, while "constitutes an exception" is used with singular subjects. For example, "These rules constitute an exception" versus "This rule constitutes an exception".

What's the difference between "constitute an exception" and "represent an exception"?

"Constitute an exception" implies that something fully meets the criteria to be an exception. "Represent an exception" suggests that something serves as an example of an exception, but may not fully define it. For example, "This case may "represent an exception" but does not "constitute an exception" in all circumstances".