exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to instances or cases that do not follow a general rule or pattern. Example: "There are a few exceptions to the policy that we need to discuss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Except for a handful of exceptions, teams must now perform in their own stadiums.

The Guardian - Sport

Again, there are exceptions.

The Economist

With a few exceptions, it was hardly possible to imagine Embassy officials or troops in Baghdad taking great risks to get their Iraqi contacts out before we left.

The Economist

The closer a residence was to the water pump in Broad Street (now called Broadwick Street), the greater the number of deaths – with a few telling exceptions coming from properties that had their own water sources.

The Guardian - Opinion

It added: "With very few exceptions, comprehensive data does not exist.

The Guardian

The question is: will the long list of other exceptions that already include GM food and hormone-fed beef dilute the deal to make it less worthwhile?

The Guardian - Business

Holder on Friday announced a new policy that, with a few exceptions, prohibits state and local law enforcement from implementing the controversial Equitable Sharing Program, which was created in 1985 as part of the US government's "war on drugs".

The Guardian

We should be forced to give so many exceptions and concessions (inevitably to the benefit of high spending authorities in inner London) that the flat-rate poll tax would rapidly become a surrogate income tax".

The Guardian

"Otherwise, apart from limited exceptions, once employees have opted into shared parental leave they cannot then revert to maternity leave," Bloodworth says.

The Guardian - Money

Scott Morrison: There are no exceptions to the policy.

The Guardian

If that is true the exceptions might be the Percy's in Henry IV Part I and (before the terrible events of the play) the Macbeths.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about the nature and scope of the "exceptions". Avoid vague references that could lead to misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptions" to undermine the validity of a general rule entirely. If the exceptions are numerous or significant, consider whether the rule itself needs to be revised or abandoned.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "exceptions" is as a plural noun. It refers to instances or cases that deviate from a general rule, pattern, or norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptions" functions as a plural noun used to denote deviations from a general rule or pattern. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically sound. It is frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, with a neutral formality level. When using "exceptions", clarity is key: clearly state the rule before specifying the deviations, and be precise about their nature. Be careful not to overgeneralize, which could undermine the rule itself. Alternatives include "exemptions", "qualifications", and "special cases", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exemptions

Refers to specific cases where a rule does not apply.

special cases

Focuses on specific instances that require unique consideration.

deviations

Points out instances that differ from a norm or standard.

qualifications

Highlights conditions or limitations to a statement or rule.

anomalies

Refers to irregularities or oddities that don't fit the expected pattern.

caveats

Emphasizes warnings or stipulations that need to be considered.

irregularities

Highlights instances of something being out of the ordinary.

stipulations

Focuses on specific requirements or conditions that must be met.

conditions

Highlights circumstances or requirements that influence an outcome.

reservations

Indicates doubts or concerns about the validity of a general statement.

FAQs

How to use "exceptions" in a sentence?

You can use "exceptions" to indicate cases that deviate from a general rule. For instance, "With a few "exceptions", the policy applies to all employees".

What can I say instead of "exceptions"?

You can use alternatives like "exemptions", "qualifications", or "special cases" depending on the context.

When are "exceptions" typically used in writing?

"Exceptions" are used when acknowledging that a general rule or principle is not universally applicable and that there are specific cases where it does not hold true.

What's the difference between "exceptions" and "exemptions"?

"Exceptions" generally refer to deviations from a rule, while "exemptions" are specific cases where someone is officially excused from following a rule. An "exemption" is a type of "exception".