fleeting exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary or rare deviation from a general rule or norm. Example: "While the policy is generally strict, there was a fleeting exception made for the special event last weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Hero worship, for all but a handful of Olympians, is the fleeting exception, whereas for tennis stars it's the rule.

The New Yorker

Be it opposition to Israel, to autocratic Arab regimes, or to the plethora of injustices visited on Arabs, the Islamists are the only ones with a broadly popular message and an ardent following, with a fleeting exception or two.

The New York Times

Still, she firmly rejected the notion of following in her mother's sex-goddess footsteps, preferring to try her hand at comedy and remaining, with one fleeting exception, a brunette.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The present in its most grotesque form has arrived in this fleeting utopian exception to assert its horrific reign.

Vice

Ms. de Rossi has appeared only once on Ms. DeGeneres's talk show, where references to gay political issues have been fleeting, with some exceptions.

The New York Times

"Human Voice," adapted from the Cocteau play of the same name, is the second film that she has made with her son, and — with the exception of fleeting appearances by three minor characters — she is the only actor in it.

The New Yorker

With the exception of fleeting images in occasional newsreels, the only way to experience the splendor of Babe Ruth's swing, or of Lefty Grove striking out the side, was to read about it in the papers and magazines (and, after 1916, in the emerging form of the baseball novel).

The New Yorker

Age: Fleeting.

The Guardian

Too fleeting!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Successes are often fleeting.

The Economist

Surprise is fleeting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting exception" to indicate that a departure from a general rule or trend is both temporary and uncommon. This implies that the exception is not significant enough to warrant changing the overall rule.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting exception" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and suggest that the exceptions are more common than intended. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting exception" functions as a noun phrase acting as a qualifier. It identifies a specific type of exception, one that is temporary or short-lived. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage is correct and signals a deviation from a norm.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fleeting exception" is a grammatically sound and semantically precise way to describe a temporary deviation from a general rule. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media sources. While its frequency is relatively rare, its clarity and nuanced meaning make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "rare exception" or "temporary deviation" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rare exception

Emphasizes the infrequency of the exception.

temporary deviation

Focuses on the temporary nature of the departure from the norm.

brief anomaly

Highlights the irregularity and short duration.

passing divergence

Stresses the transitional nature of the difference.

momentary lapse

Suggests a brief failure or deviation.

short-lived aberration

Emphasizes that the unusual occurrence did not last long.

transient irregularity

Highlights the temporary and non-standard nature.

isolated instance

Focuses on the uniqueness and separation of the event.

occasional departure

Stresses the infrequency of the leaving of established rule.

uncommon occurrence

Underlines the unusual nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "fleeting exception" in a sentence?

The phrase "fleeting exception" is used to describe something that deviates from a general rule or trend but only temporarily. For example, "Hero worship, for all but a handful of Olympians, is the "fleeting exception", whereas for tennis stars it's the rule."

What are some alternatives to "fleeting exception"?

You can use alternatives like "rare exception", "temporary deviation", or "brief anomaly" depending on the context.

Is "fleeting exception" formal or informal?

"Fleeting exception" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in written and professional communication.

What does "fleeting" mean in the context of "fleeting exception"?

In this context, "fleeting" means temporary or brief. It emphasizes that the exception is not long-lasting or significant.