exception to the general understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exception to the general understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or case that does not conform to the usual or widely accepted interpretation of a concept or rule. Example: "While most people believe that all birds can fly, the ostrich is an exception to the general understanding of avian capabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We present the strongest available evidence that the AG ant-seed interaction is highly specific in lowland forest of the Peruvian Amazon, and thus represents an exception to the general understanding of seed-dispersal mutualisms as generalized and diffuse interactions [18], [21], [23], [24].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

The New Yorker

The rioting was an exception to the general improvement in Kandahar, he said.

The New York Times

One important exception to the general abandonment of surface torpedo attack was the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exception to the general understanding" to precisely indicate a specific case that contradicts a broadly accepted idea. Be sure to clarify what the general understanding is before introducing the exception.

Common error

Avoid using "exception to the general understanding" without first clearly establishing the "general understanding" you are referring to. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exception to the general understanding" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific instance or situation that does not conform to a broadly accepted or common interpretation of a concept or phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exception to the general understanding" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a case that deviates from widely accepted beliefs. While not overly frequent, its use is appropriate in formal and scientific contexts to introduce nuanced perspectives. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and serves to highlight anomalies or challenge conventional viewpoints. Ensure clarity by explicitly stating the "general understanding" before introducing the exception. Consider alternatives like "deviation from the norm" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviation from the norm

This phrase focuses on the departure from what is considered standard or typical.

departure from common belief

This highlights a divergence from what is generally believed to be true.

anomaly in the standard interpretation

This suggests an irregularity or inconsistency in the typical way of understanding something.

inconsistency with the general perception

This points out a lack of alignment with how something is commonly perceived.

contradiction to the accepted wisdom

This emphasizes a direct opposition to what is widely considered to be true or sensible.

divergence from the conventional wisdom

This suggests a move away from traditional or widely held beliefs.

rarity in the common mindset

This denotes something that is uncommon within the general way of thinking.

uncommon case in popular knowledge

This highlights an infrequent instance within the domain of what is generally known.

distinct from typical knowledge

This denotes a clear separation from the usual understanding of something.

atypical compared to common insights

This phrase emphasizes the unusual nature when set against ordinary understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "exception to the general understanding" to introduce a case that doesn't follow a widely accepted belief or norm. For example, "While most believe X, Y is an "exception to the general understanding" because..."

What are some alternatives to "exception to the general understanding"?

You can use alternatives such as "deviation from the norm", "departure from common belief", or "anomaly in the standard interpretation".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the "general understanding" when using "exception to the general understanding"?

While not always mandatory, explicitly stating the "general understanding" before introducing the exception enhances clarity and prevents potential misinterpretations.

What's the difference between "exception to the general understanding" and "exception to the general rule"?

"Exception to the general understanding" refers to a deviation from a widely accepted belief or interpretation, while "exception to the general rule" refers to a specific case that does not follow a stated rule or principle.