exception to the numbing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exception to the numbing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or experience that stands out against a backdrop of emotional or sensory dullness. Example: "In a world filled with monotony, her laughter was the only exception to the numbing silence that surrounded us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is one unsurprising exception to the numbing sameness.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Exception to the rule.

The Guardian - Opinion

Exception to the rule..

The Guardian - Opinion

The big exception to the exception was France '98.

Vice

No exception to the rule".

Huffington Post

And there are exceptions to the exceptions.

The New York Times

Avoid using drugs or alcohol to "numb the pain".

WikiHow

The exception to this rule.

The New York Times

The waiver was an exception to exceptions.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Don't punish yourself to try to numb the pain.

WikiHow

The relentless four-to-the-floor beats eventually become numbing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exception to the numbing" when you want to emphasize a contrast or deviation from an otherwise emotionally or sensorially dull experience. It highlights the unique nature of something that breaks through the prevailing feeling of numbness.

Common error

Avoid using "exception to the numbing" in situations where simple expressions of contrast suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic. Choose a more straightforward alternative, such as "break from the monotony", if the context doesn't warrant such intense phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exception to the numbing" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying something that deviates from a state of emotional or sensory dullness. Ludwig identifies its role in highlighting contrast within a broader context of reduced sensation or feeling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exception to the numbing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that stands out against a background of emotional or sensory dullness. Ludwig confirms its usability, while noting its relatively rare occurrence. Predominantly found in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, the phrase serves to emphasize contrast and highlight unique experiences that break through a prevailing state of numbness. Alternatives such as "departure from the numbness" or "break from the monotony" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances. Use the phrase judiciously to avoid sounding melodramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departure from the numbness

Replaces "exception" with "departure", emphasizing a move away from the state of numbness.

contrast to the insensitivity

Substitutes "numbing" with "insensitivity", highlighting a lack of emotional feeling.

deviation from the emotional flatness

Replaces "numbing" with "emotional flatness", specifying the type of numbness.

anomaly in the emotional blankness

Replaces "exception" with "anomaly", highlighting an irregularity within a state of emotional blankness.

variant to the desensitization

Replaces "exception" with "variant", and "numbing" with "desensitization", indicating an alteration to the state of becoming less sensitive.

break from the apathy

Uses "break" instead of "exception" and "apathy" instead of "numbing", indicating a pause in indifference.

departure from the emotional void

Specifies "numbing" as an "emotional void", highlighting the feeling of emptiness.

relief from the deadening

Emphasizes a sense of liberation from something that is causing a loss of sensation or feeling.

respite from the dullness

Replaces "exception" with "respite", indicating a temporary relief from the dullness.

divergence from the sensory deprivation

Substitutes "numbing" with "sensory deprivation", referring to a lack of external stimuli.

FAQs

How can "exception to the numbing" be used in a sentence?

You can use "exception to the numbing" to describe something that breaks through a state of emotional or sensory dullness. For example: "Her laughter was a welcome "break from the monotony", an exception to the numbing silence that had settled over the room".

What is a good alternative to "exception to the numbing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "departure from the numbness", "contrast to the insensitivity", or "deviation from the emotional flatness".

When is it appropriate to use "exception to the numbing" in writing?

"Exception to the numbing" is appropriate when you wish to highlight something that stands out against a backdrop of emotional or sensory dullness. It is particularly effective when conveying a sense of stark contrast.

Is "exception to the numbing" formal or informal?

The phrase "exception to the numbing" is relatively neutral in tone. While not overly formal, it's also not strictly informal. The formality will depend on the surrounding context and the overall tone of the writing.