exceptional case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase in situations where something is extraordinary or particularly unusual. For example, "This is an exceptional case that requires our full attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The western Balkans remains an exceptional case.

The Economist

The exceptional case is Mr. Roosevelt.

The New York Times

"But Howard Safir is an exceptional case.

The New York Times

But he is an exceptional case.

The New York Times

And Carle may prove an exceptional case.

The New York Times

Greece is an "exceptional case", Mrs Merkel insists.

The Economist

It was an exceptional case, a spokesman said.

The Guardian

This was an exceptional murderer and an exceptional case.

The Guardian

Del Bosque described him as "an exceptional case, unique".

The Guardian - Sport

This was an exceptional case where we had international and local backing.

The New York Times

The Oracle-Google clash is the exceptional case that ended up in court.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceptional case", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the case different or unusual. Provide specific details to justify the claim of exceptionality.

Common error

Avoid labeling situations as an "exceptional case" without providing sufficient evidence or explanation. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional case" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "exceptional" modifies the noun "case". It typically serves to single out a particular instance as being different or noteworthy. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceptional case" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a situation that significantly deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide clear justification for why the case is considered exceptional. Alternative phrases include "remarkable case" and "unique case", offering subtle variations in emphasis. Overusing this expression without proper justification should be avoided to maintain credibility and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable case

Emphasizes the noteworthiness or unusual nature of the case.

unique case

Highlights the singularity and distinctiveness of the case.

uncommon case

Focuses on the infrequency or rarity of the situation.

unusual case

Stresses the deviation from the norm or typical pattern.

rare instance

Highlights the infrequency of the occurrence.

atypical situation

Focuses on the non-standard or unconventional nature of the situation.

extraordinary circumstance

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the circumstances surrounding the case.

outlier scenario

Presents the case as an observation that lies outside the norm.

isolated incident

Suggests that the event is not part of a larger pattern or trend.

one-off situation

Indicates that the situation is unlikely to be repeated or seen again.

FAQs

How can I use "exceptional case" in a sentence?

You can use "exceptional case" to describe a situation that deviates from the norm. For example, "The court considered the defendant's youth an "exceptional case", warranting a lighter sentence."

What are some alternatives to "exceptional case"?

Alternatives include "remarkable case", "unique case", or "uncommon case". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe something as an "exceptional case"?

It's appropriate when the situation significantly differs from what is typically expected or observed. Ensure there are clear reasons and evidence to support this classification.

Is there a difference between "exceptional case" and "unusual case"?

"Exceptional case" often implies a higher degree of deviation or importance than "unusual case". While both suggest something is not typical, "exceptional case" may carry a stronger connotation of being noteworthy or requiring special attention.