exceptional circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation that is unusual or extraordinary, often justifying a deviation from the norm or standard procedures. Example: "In light of the exceptional circumstance, we have decided to extend the deadline for submissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

An explosion in democracy and participation, driven by exceptional circumstance.

The Guardian

Back to my case, I again had an exceptional circumstance.

The Guardian - Opinion

EasyJet customer services said that, unfortunately, no compensation was payable as this was an exceptional circumstance.

The Guardian - Money

This clearly specifies that torture cannot be justified either by war or by any other exceptional circumstance.

The Economist

Much is made of the fact that women are the creators of these carpets, though this is hardly an exceptional circumstance.

The New York Times - Arts

Speaking as round one of the tournament got under way, the chief executive insisted Reed's status is befitting an exceptional circumstance.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Validated assaults of dogs and cats are non-existent, except under exceptional circumstances.

Independent

*Police should not name or identify those arrested, except in exceptional circumstances.

Independent

The hospital said visitors were banned from all of its wards, except in exceptional circumstances.

BBC

Except under exceptional circumstances, NASA civil service employees are required to be citizens of the United States.

Wikipedia

"Interfering in another country's affairs should not be undertaken except in the most exceptional circumstances.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceptional circumstance", clearly define the specific conditions that make the situation exceptional to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify what deviates from standard procedures or expectations.

Common error

Avoid labeling situations as an "exceptional circumstance" without a valid reason. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and may create a perception of inconsistency or favoritism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in describing deviations from the norm.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exceptional circumstance" is a commonly used term to describe situations that deviate from the norm, often justifying a departure from standard procedures. Ludwig AI identifies its use across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. This phrase, deemed grammatically correct, serves to emphasize the unique nature of a situation. When using "exceptional circumstance", it's important to provide clear justification to avoid overuse and maintain credibility. Alternatives like "unusual situation" or "special case" may be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusual situation

Emphasizes the infrequency and deviation from the typical.

extraordinary event

Highlights the remarkable and uncommon nature of the occurrence.

special case

Focuses on the distinctiveness requiring unique consideration.

atypical condition

Stresses the departure from standard or expected conditions.

unique situation

Underscores the singular and unparalleled nature of the scenario.

rare occurrence

Highlights the infrequency and limited likelihood of the event.

singular instance

Emphasizes the isolated and non-recurring nature of the event.

outlier event

Indicates a data point or event that significantly deviates from the norm.

unforeseen event

Highlights that it happened unexpectedly.

uncommon condition

Emphasizes the lack of frequency and deviation from the usual.

FAQs

How does the definition of "exceptional circumstance" affect its usage?

An "exceptional circumstance" /s/exceptional+circumstance is one that deviates from the norm, so it's used to justify actions or decisions that wouldn't typically be taken. Recognizing this helps ensure the phrase is used accurately and appropriately.

What are some alternatives to using "exceptional circumstance"?

You can use alternatives like "unusual situation", "extraordinary event", or "special case" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to invoke an "exceptional circumstance"?

It's appropriate when a situation demonstrably differs from standard or typical conditions and requires a deviation from normal procedures. Document the reasons for invoking it to maintain transparency and accountability.

Is there a legal definition of "exceptional circumstance"?

The legal definition can vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific laws involved. Generally, it refers to situations that are highly unusual and warrant special consideration under the law. When in doubt, consult legal counsel for clarification.