exception to the pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The exception to the pattern was Southwest Airlines, the nation's largest low-fare carrier.

The New York Times

There has been one notable exception to the pattern of private-sector silence.

The Guardian - Business

Saturday's barren 1-0 defeat by Southampton was the exception to the pattern.

Independent

The one exception to the pattern is Richard M. Nixon, the only president to resign from the office.

The New York Times

The elder George Bush is actually the biggest underachiever -- as well as the biggest exception to the pattern.

The New York Times

The Onion, by remaining isolated and out of it for the better part of its first decade of existence, made itself an exception to the pattern.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

One exception to the patterns described above is albacore tuna.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

There are exceptions to the pattern.

The New York Times

But those two responses were exceptions to the pattern of division on most other questions.

The Washington Post

There are many reasons for that, and some exceptions to the pattern.

The New York Times

Now the federal government is pushing for minimum standards on such things as state driving licences.Admittedly, there are two big exceptions to the pattern of increased federal intervention.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exception to the pattern", clearly define the pattern you are referencing to provide context for the exception.

Common error

Avoid assuming a 'pattern' based on limited observations. Ensure the 'pattern' is well-established before identifying exceptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exception to the pattern" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a specific instance that deviates from an established trend or norm, providing contrast and highlighting irregularity, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exception to the pattern" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a deviation from an established trend or norm. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, notably in news, scientific, and business domains. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define the 'pattern' to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Alternative phrases such as "departure from the norm" or "anomaly in the trend" can be considered based on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departure from the norm

Emphasizes deviation from what is considered typical or standard.

deviation from the standard

Highlights a divergence from an established benchmark.

anomaly in the trend

Focuses on an unusual occurrence within a sequence of events.

inconsistency in the system

Suggests a lack of uniformity within a structured arrangement.

irregularity in the sequence

Draws attention to an unevenness or disruption in a set order.

divergence from the expected

Implies a departure from what was anticipated or predicted.

uncommon occurrence

Highlights the rareness of the event

atypical instance

Emphasizes the unusual nature of a specific case

nonconformity to the rule

Underscores the failure to adhere to a guideline or principle.

infrequent case

It underlines how strange and rare the specific case is.

FAQs

How do I properly use "exception to the pattern" in a sentence?

The phrase "exception to the pattern" is used to indicate a case that deviates from an established trend or norm. For example: "Most students improved their grades, but John was an "exception to the pattern".

What's a good alternative to "exception to the pattern"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "departure from the norm", "deviation from the standard", or "anomaly in the trend".

Is there a subtle difference between "exception to the pattern" and "departure from the norm"?

"Exception to the pattern" specifically implies a deviation from an observed sequence or trend. "Departure from the norm", on the other hand, suggests a deviation from what is generally expected or considered typical.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "exception to the pattern"?

Use "exception to the pattern" when you want to highlight a specific instance that does not align with a previously established trend or regularity. Ensure that the "pattern" is well-defined and understood before introducing the exception.