excluding a few exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excluding a few exceptions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is generally true but there are some specific cases that do not apply. Example: "The policy applies to all employees, excluding a few exceptions for those on leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Adjusted odds ratios for these exposures were 1.8 or lower, and, with a few exceptions, confidence intervals did not exclude the null.

Environmental Health Perspectives

(With a few exceptions).

The Guardian - Books

There are only a few exceptions.

The New York Times

There have been a few exceptions.

The New York Times

I know of only a few exceptions.

The New Yorker

A few exceptions, however, should be noted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

3 There are a few exceptions.

Cornell University

We, however, found a few exceptions.

Cornell University

"There may be a few exceptions".

The New York Times

The rules allow a few exceptions.

The New York Times - Travel

The agreement, with a few exceptions, is satisfactorily good.

Science of The Total Environment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "excluding a few exceptions" to indicate a general rule or statement that holds true in most cases, but with specific, limited exceptions. This clarifies the scope and applicability of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "excluding a few exceptions" without specifying what those exceptions are, especially in formal writing. Always aim to clarify what the exceptions entail to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excluding a few exceptions" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a statement by acknowledging that there are some limited cases to which the statement does not apply. Ludwig's analysis suggests it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excluding a few exceptions" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to qualify a general statement by acknowledging limited exceptions. While Ludwig confirms its grammatical acceptability, examples are missing, suggesting its usage might be infrequent or highly context-dependent. The phrase functions to enhance precision and credibility by acknowledging deviations. Alternatives such as "with a few exceptions" or "apart from a few exceptions" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

With a few exceptions

Replaces "excluding" with "with", creating a more concise and commonly used phrase.

Apart from a few exceptions

Uses "apart from" instead of "excluding", providing a slightly different emphasis on the exceptions.

Save for a few exceptions

Employs "save for" which is a more formal and less common alternative to "excluding".

Except for a handful of cases

Substitutes "a few exceptions" with "a handful of cases", making the phrase more informal.

Barring a few exceptions

Uses "barring" as a synonym for "excluding", offering a slightly stronger sense of prohibition.

Outside of a few exceptions

Replaces "excluding" with "outside of", changing the structural focus of the phrase.

Other than a few exceptions

Uses "other than" to convey the exclusion, altering the tone to be slightly more descriptive.

With limited exceptions

Replaces "a few" with "limited", emphasizing the small number of exceptions.

Subject to a few exceptions

Introduces a condition with "subject to", implying that the rule is generally followed unless exceptions apply.

But with some caveats

Uses "caveats" instead of "exceptions", suggesting that the limitations are more like conditions or warnings.

FAQs

How can I use "excluding a few exceptions" in a sentence?

The phrase "excluding a few exceptions" is used to indicate that a statement is generally true, but there are some specific cases where it does not apply. For example: "The policy applies to all employees, excluding a few exceptions for those on leave."

What can I say instead of "excluding a few exceptions"?

You can use alternatives like "with a few exceptions", "apart from a few exceptions", or "except for a handful of cases" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "excluding a few exceptions"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge that there are some cases that don't fit the general rule, but those cases are limited and don't invalidate the overall statement. It adds precision to your writing.

What's the difference between "excluding a few exceptions" and "with a few exceptions"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Excluding a few exceptions" might imply a more deliberate act of setting aside specific cases, while "with a few exceptions" is a more general acknowledgement that not everything fits the rule.