except in an emergency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except in an emergency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain action or rule does not apply when an emergency situation arises. Example: "The building is locked after hours, except in an emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Do not loan anyone your phone, EXCEPT in an emergency.

WikiHow

No military commander would do that except in an emergency.

Yale University

One source said he did not plan to call a mass meeting except in an emergency.

The New York Times

Beyond that time, late homework will not be be accepted except in an emergency.

Cornell University

Except in an emergency, parking on the shoulder of any major roadway is a traffic infraction.

The New York Times

Except in an emergency, when they must render assistance, physicians are free to choose their patients.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

(Steer clear of emergency rooms except in a true emergency).

The New York Times - Health

Students were asked to speak Chinese all the time, "except, in a situation where, like medical emergency or something like that".

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

"I almost never use cash except in a real emergency," he says.

The Guardian

The World Anti-Doping Agency bans blood transfusions or any intravenous infusions, except in a medical emergency.

The New York Times - Sports

It also barred him from leaving home without an escort from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, except in a medical emergency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "except in an emergency", clearly define what constitutes an emergency within the given context to avoid ambiguity. Provide specific examples or criteria to guide interpretation.

Common error

Avoid routinely relying on the "except in an emergency" clause as a loophole for circumventing established rules or procedures. Use it sparingly and only when genuinely warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except in an emergency" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying an exception or condition. It indicates circumstances under which the standard rule or action does not apply. This is validated by Ludwig, which highlights numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

35%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "except in an emergency" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce an exception to a general rule or guideline. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources, confirms its widespread use across various contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Its primary function is to provide a necessary condition under which standard procedures can be overridden. When using this phrase, ensure that 'emergency' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""unless it's an emergency"" for informality or ""in the event of an emergency"" for explicitness, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unless it's an emergency

This alternative is a more concise and informal way to express the same condition.

except when there is an emergency

This alternative is more explicit, adding clarity about the circumstances.

in the event of an emergency

This alternative focuses on the hypothetical situation of an emergency occurring.

during an emergency situation

This alternative emphasizes the active state of an emergency.

only in an emergency

This alternative stresses the exclusivity of the condition.

save for an emergency

This alternative offers a more archaic and formal tone.

barring an emergency

This alternative uses a more legalistic or formal construction.

excluding emergencies

This alternative provides a direct exclusion of emergencies from the rule.

emergency notwithstanding

This alternative is a more literary and concise expression.

outside of emergency circumstances

This alternative broadens the scope to include various emergency scenarios.

FAQs

How can I use "except in an emergency" in a sentence?

Use "except in an emergency" to denote a specific exception to a general rule or guideline. For example, "Cell phone use is prohibited during the exam, "except in an emergency"."

What phrases are similar to "except in an emergency"?

Similar phrases include "unless it's an emergency", "in the event of an emergency", or "only in an emergency", each providing a slightly different nuance.

Is it always necessary to specify "except in an emergency"?

While not always necessary, including "except in an emergency" can provide clarity and flexibility in situations where strict adherence to a rule could be detrimental. Its inclusion depends on the context and potential implications of rigid enforcement.

How does the formality of "except in an emergency" compare to its alternatives?

"Except in an emergency" is generally considered neutral in tone. Alternatives like "save for an emergency" may sound more formal, while "unless it's an emergency" leans towards informality.