exception to the general picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exception to the general picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific case or instance that does not conform to the overall trend or pattern being described. Example: "While most students performed well on the exam, Sarah was an exception to the general picture, scoring significantly lower than her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The one important exception to the general picture of bureaucratic stagnation was the creation of the Ministry of State Domains, under Gen. Pavel Kiselev.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the House of Representatives, for example, the Republican chief whip, Tom DeLay, has dubbed the Kosovo campaign "Clinton's war", as if it were a piece of partisan legislation rather than a NATO action.And inside the administration there are exceptions to the general picture.

The Economist

An exception to this general picture is the Spanish model, the effect of which has been described many times [ 13, 14].

BMC Health Services Research

But India is a notable exception to the general pessimism.

The Economist

This was an exception to the general course of reaction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The main exception to the general rule seems to be Scotland.

The Guardian - Books

An exception to the general languor came from members of Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians.

The New York Times

The one exception to the general awfulness was designated a work-in-progress.

The New York Times - Arts

The Leeds student union is a refreshing exception to the general malaise.

The Guardian

Importantly, though, there is an exception to the general rule barring prior bad-acts evidence.

The New Yorker

He is also no exception to the general rule that Forsythean is not Forsythe.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exception to the general picture", ensure that the 'general picture' has already been clearly established in your writing to provide context for the exception. This helps avoid confusion and ensures the reader understands the deviation being described.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "exception to the general picture" when the 'general picture' is not widely recognized or adequately defined. Always ensure the broader context is well-understood before highlighting an exception; otherwise, the statement may lack clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exception to the general picture" functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement to indicate a deviation from a broader trend or pattern. It helps to provide a more nuanced and accurate description of a situation, acknowledging that not all cases conform to the norm. As Ludwig suggests, the phrase is usable when discussing instances that don't conform to the overall trend.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exception to the general picture" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for denoting a deviation from a prevailing trend or pattern. Ludwig AI indicates that it's effective for highlighting cases that do not conform to an overall observation. While relatively rare in frequency, its usage spans across encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications, suggesting versatility. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the established "general picture" is crucial for effective communication. Related phrases like ""deviation from the norm"" and ""anomaly in the pattern"" offer similar but subtly distinct alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exception to the rule

Similar but focuses on non-compliance with an explicit or implicit rule.

departure from the norm

Focuses on deviating from what is considered typical or standard.

deviation from the standard

Emphasizes the act of differing from an established benchmark or rule.

anomaly in the pattern

Highlights an irregularity within an established sequence or arrangement.

inconsistency with the trend

Points out a lack of alignment with a prevailing direction or tendency.

divergence from the usual

Indicates a separation or branching off from what is commonly seen or expected.

atypical instance

Highlights an example that does not conform to the typical characteristics of its group.

rare occurrence

Stresses the infrequency or uncommon nature of the situation.

isolated case

Implies that the instance is unique and not representative of a broader pattern.

uncommon example

Emphasizes that the example is not frequently observed or encountered.

FAQs

How can I use "exception to the general picture" in a sentence?

Use "exception to the general picture" to highlight a case that deviates from an overall trend or pattern. For example: "While most companies reported losses, this tech firm was an exception to the general picture, showing significant profits."

What's a good substitute for "exception to the general picture"?

Alternatives include "deviation from the norm", "anomaly in the pattern", or "exception to the rule", depending on the specific context.

Is there a subtle difference between "exception to the general rule" and "exception to the general picture"?

"Exception to the general rule" implies a specific, often formal, guideline being broken. "Exception to the general picture" suggests a deviation from an overall trend or observation, making it less rigid and more descriptive.

How formal is the phrase "exception to the general picture"?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, leaning towards neutral. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the audience than the phrase itself.