except in extraordinary cases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except in extraordinary cases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a rule or statement applies generally, but there are specific situations where it does not apply. Example: "The policy is strict, except in extraordinary cases where exceptions may be granted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Courts, said Gabe Feldman, who directs Tulane's sports law program and who recently analyzed negotiations for the NFL Network, rarely granted preliminary relief except in extraordinary cases, preferring to have a full trial on the merits of the arguments.

The New York Times - Sports

The Church also called for an end to bonuses worth more than salary, except in extraordinary cases, while long-term incentives should cover five to seven-year timespans and be paid only in shares.

Independent

Enrollment of new subjects must cease, except in "extraordinary cases" as permitted by OHRP; and studies with previously enrolled subjects must cease unless "it is in the best interest of individual patients".

Science Magazine

Beginning in season four, fighters were no longer removed from the house after losing their fights and did not switch teams except in extraordinary cases, such as being kicked off a team by the head coach.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Unfortunately, except in a few extraordinary cases, there's no other way.

The New Yorker

That the frame length is sufficient and does not miss major intra-frame motion (except for extraordinary cases of erratic motion) is in concurrence with our previous work [13].

EJNMMI Physics

In less extraordinary cases, this, unfortunately, regularly proves to be much more difficult.

Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics

In some extraordinary cases, this involves not only the recovery of particular gene sequences but of entire genomes.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

He has led the prosecutions of defendants in many extraordinary cases.

Huffington Post

In one extraordinary case, a judge issued $750,000 in emotional and punitive damages.

Huffington Post

But the constitutional threat in this extraordinary case goes beyond routine pre-emption analysis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "except in extraordinary cases", provide clear examples or criteria for what constitutes an "extraordinary case" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "except in extraordinary cases" as a catch-all to circumvent rules frequently. Overuse can dilute its meaning and create loopholes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except in extraordinary cases" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by introducing a condition or exception. It indicates the circumstances under which a general rule or statement does not apply. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "except in extraordinary cases" serves as a grammatical tool for acknowledging exceptions to rules or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage. Predominantly found in news and media and scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a formal register and functions as an adverbial modifier. While uncommon, its effectiveness in clarifying boundaries makes it a valuable component of precise communication. Remember to clearly define what constitutes an "extraordinary case" when utilizing this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unless in exceptional circumstances

Uses "unless" to introduce the exception, providing a more direct and conditional phrasing.

save in exceptional instances

Replaces "extraordinary cases" with "exceptional instances", maintaining a similar level of formality but with slightly different wording.

excluding exceptional situations

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "cases" with "situations" and using "excluding" to introduce the exception.

apart from rare exceptions

Focuses on the rarity of the exceptions, emphasizing the infrequency of deviations from the norm.

aside from unusual circumstances

Emphasizes the unusual nature of the circumstances that warrant an exception.

with the exclusion of remarkable instances

Presents a formal and emphatic alternative, highlighting the remarkable nature of the exceptions.

barring atypical events

Offers a more concise alternative, focusing on atypical events as the basis for exceptions.

except for isolated incidents

Highlights that the phrase refers to unique incidents.

notwithstanding singular occurrences

Provides a highly formal and somewhat archaic alternative, emphasizing the singularity of the occurrences.

outside of the norm

Offers a general and less specific alternative, referring to anything that deviates from the typical or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "except in extraordinary cases" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to indicate that a general rule or statement holds true, but there are specific, unusual circumstances where it does not apply. For example, "Attendance is mandatory, "except in extraordinary cases" such as a medical emergency".

What are some alternatives to "except in extraordinary cases"?

You can use alternatives such as "unless in exceptional circumstances", "apart from rare exceptions", or "aside from unusual circumstances" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "except in extraordinary cases" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to acknowledge that a rule or guideline has specific, uncommon exceptions. It provides clarity while allowing for flexibility.

What constitutes an "extraordinary case" when using this phrase?

An "extraordinary case" typically refers to a situation that is highly unusual, unexpected, and significantly different from the norm. Clear examples should be provided whenever possible to prevent misinterpretation.