exception to the law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exception to the law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific case or situation that does not conform to the general rules or regulations established by the law. Example: "In certain circumstances, there may be an exception to the law that allows for leniency in sentencing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The bureau asked for an exception to the law.

The New York Times

But there was one exception to the law — often referred to as the Pocahontas exemption.

The New York Times

Mamilla Hotel, a new luxury property set to open this month, is no exception to the law.

The New York Times

The companies respond that a 1995 order by the State Council, China's cabinet, granted them an exception to the law.

The New York Times

We propose an exception to the law of trespass in quasi-public spaces, subject to protestors behaving reasonably.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Senate bill carves out an exception to the law if foreign countries are found culpable for terrorist attacks that kill American citizens within the United States.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

If confirmed, the finding would represent an exception to the laws of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel.

The New York Times

The study explained that part of the issue was all the exceptions to the law.

The New York Times

The Library of Congress is now considering whether to recommend other exceptions to the law.

The New York Times

And the Council of Ministers would have the right to make exceptions to the law in order to serve the public interest.

The New York Times

But in 2003, exceptions to the law were carved out for Utah's public colleges and universities.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, ensure you clearly define the scope and conditions of the "exception to the law" to avoid ambiguity. Include relevant citations or references to the specific legal provision creating the exception.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a specific "exception to the law" applies broadly. Each exception is typically narrowly tailored, and misapplying it can lead to legal misinterpretations and incorrect applications of the law.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exception to the law" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exception to the law" is a grammatically correct and usable term that identifies specific situations where a legal rule doesn't apply. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptance in written English. Its usage is most common in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, reflecting its role in legal and factual reporting. While alternatives like "legal exemption" and "statutory exception" exist, the choice depends on the specific shade of meaning. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining its scope to avoid misinterpretations. Overall, understanding the context and limitations of the "exception to the law" is crucial for accurate legal discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Excepted case

General, refers to any situation falling outside the normal scope of legal applicability

legal exemption

Focuses specifically on the legal aspect of being excused from a requirement.

carve-out in the legislation

Indicates a specific provision within a larger law that provides an exception.

statutory exception

Highlights that the exception is written into the statute itself.

variance from the legal standard

Highlights a permitted deviation from a set legal criterion.

derogation from the law

Implies a formal and often temporary suspension of a law.

dispensation from the rule

Indicates a formal exemption granted by an authority.

waiver of legal obligation

Emphasizes the relinquishing of a legally binding duty.

qualified immunity

Refers to a specific legal doctrine protecting government officials from liability.

loophole in the law

Suggests an unintended ambiguity or omission that allows avoidance of the law.

FAQs

How to use "exception to the law" in a sentence?

You can use "exception to the law" to indicate a specific instance or condition where a particular legal rule does not apply. For example, "There is an "exception to the law" for medical emergencies."

What can I say instead of "exception to the law"?

You can use alternatives like "legal exemption", "statutory exception", or "waiver of legal obligation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exception to the law" or "exemption from the law"?

Both ""exception to the law"" and "exemption from the law" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Exception" implies a specific case where the law does not apply, while "exemption" suggests a more general release from the requirements of the law.

What's the difference between "exception to the law" and "loophole in the law"?

An ""exception to the law"" is a recognized and legitimate deviation from a legal rule. A "loophole in the law" is an unintended ambiguity or omission that allows one to avoid the intent of the law, often seen negatively.