exception to the norm

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "exception to the norm" is a common phrase used in written English.
It is used to refer to something that stands out from what is typically expected or accepted. For example: "The grand success of the movie was an exception to the norm, as most low-budget films fail to make a large return."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

There was, however, an exception to the norm.

The New Yorker

Comedy in 21st-century Britain is no longer an exception to the norm; it is the norm.

The Guardian

General Xiang Yu was a rare exception to the norm, a warrior who conquered by being unpredictably rational.

The New York Times - Science

"I was a little surprised I was so open," said Ben Wallace, whose 7-for-8 shooting night was the exception to the norm.

The New York Times - Sports

The third category — an exception to the norm — are the loners who relied on "virtual connections" to sign up and get there.

The New Yorker

(These women give birth in hospitals rather than at home, which already makes their experience an exception to the norm in their countries).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"There are always exceptions to the norm," Cashman said.

The New York Times

That very improbable things will often happen is entirely predictable from the sheer number of opportunities each day provides for exceptions to the norm to occur.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you believe that Microsoft's, Enron's, WorldCom's and others' sins are some kind of freakish exceptions to the norm you are mistaken.

The Economist

Some soldiers still disliked you, or you resented other officers, but such incidences tended to be exceptions to the norm that was a sense of comradeship the civilian world just can't seem to replicate.

The Guardian

The admission rates at Ivy League and other highly selective institutions are exceptions to the norm; there are more than 2,000 four-year colleges and universities in this country, and many accept a sizable percentage of students who apply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exception to the norm", ensure the context clearly establishes what the "norm" is. This provides a clear point of reference for the exception.

Common error

While "exception to the norm" is generally acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "uncommon" or "rare" for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exception to the norm" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something that deviates from the typical or expected pattern. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's used to point out something standing out.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exception to the norm" is a commonly used phrase to describe something that deviates from the typical or expected standard. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can lean towards formal, making it suitable for professional and academic writing. Related phrases, such as "deviation from the standard" or "rare case", offer alternative ways to express the same idea with slight variations in emphasis. When using "exception to the norm", ensure that the "norm" is clearly defined to provide context for the exception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviation from the standard

Replaces "exception" with "deviation" and "norm" with "standard", focusing on the act of diverging from what's typical.

departure from the usual

Substitutes "exception" with "departure" and "norm" with "usual", highlighting the act of leaving the common practice.

atypical instance

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression emphasizing the infrequency of the occurrence.

uncommon occurrence

Similar to "atypical instance" but uses "occurrence" instead, stressing the rareness of the event.

rare case

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct term indicating something infrequent.

anomaly

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word that encapsulates the idea of being different from the norm.

outlier

A statistical term indicating a data point that differs significantly from other observations.

aberration

Emphasizes the deviation from what is considered normal or right.

irregularity

Highlights the lack of conformity to rules or expected behavior.

divergence from the average

More formal and statistical, indicating a move away from the central tendency.

FAQs

How do you use "exception to the norm" in a sentence?

Use "exception to the norm" to describe something that deviates from what is considered typical or standard. For example, "His generosity was an exception to the norm in the cutthroat business world."

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

You can use alternatives like "deviation from the standard", "rare case", or "atypical instance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "exception to the norm" or "exception to the rule"?

Both phrases are valid, but "exception to the rule" is more common. "Exception to the norm" is suitable when emphasizing a deviation from typical behavior or standards, whereas "exception to the rule" refers to explicit regulations.

What's the difference between "anomaly" and "exception to the norm"?

"Anomaly" is a single word that refers to something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. "Exception to the norm" is a phrase that expresses the same concept but may provide more context or emphasis on the established standard.