grandfathered at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grandfathered at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or regulatory contexts to refer to individuals or entities that are allowed to continue operating under old rules or standards despite new regulations being implemented. Example: "The new zoning laws will not affect existing businesses, as they are grandfathered at the previous regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Properties under 25 acres are rarities that were grandfathered at the time the new zoning regulations went into effect.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While existing members were grandfathered in at the senior rate, the recreation centers did not always make that clear.

The New York Times

If you are currently an unlimited Classpass users in Boston, you will be grandfathered in at a discounted price of $150.

TechCrunch

CELF members were grandfathered into The Linux Foundation at the Silver level.

TechCrunch

I became a grandfather at 44.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is a proud but youthful grandfather at 58.

The New York Times

Just a 71-year-old grandfather at the biggest retirement party anyone could remember.

Independent

The narrator knew all this because Hubert told stories of his grandfather at school.

The New Yorker

I was mimicking my grandmother and my grandfather at the dinner table".

Independent

Moïse has become a grandfather at thirty-one and has "been in mysteriously bad health".

The New Yorker

At the same time, I could hear my grandfather at the other end of the room.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grandfathered at", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific regulations or conditions the subject is exempt from. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "grandfathered at" implies blanket immunity. Specify exactly which aspects of the new regulations do not apply to the subject, as there may be limitations.

Linguistic Context

Grandfathered at functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating an exemption from a new rule or regulation based on pre-existing conditions. This use is confirmed by Ludwig examples where entities retain prior privileges despite new laws or standards.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

TechCrunch

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grandfathered at" is a phrase used to describe the exemption from new rules or regulations due to pre-existing conditions. While Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying the exact scope of the exemption. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Consider alternatives like "exempted from" or "not subject to" to convey similar meanings. While the phrase is mostly correct, it's essential to use it with precision to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grandfathered under

Mirrors the original phrase but uses "under" instead of "at".

exempted from

This is a more formal and direct way of saying someone doesn't have to follow a new rule.

excluded from

Similar to 'exempted', but implies a more deliberate act of setting someone apart.

not subject to

A formal way of stating that new regulations don't apply.

protected by

Highlights the protective aspect of pre-existing conditions.

covered under

Suggests that previous agreements still apply.

legacy status

A shorter, more technical term for maintaining old privileges.

immune to

Suggests complete protection from the new rules.

vested rights

Emphasizes legal rights that can't be easily taken away.

carved out

Implies that an exception has been specifically made.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "grandfathered at"?

To be "grandfathered at" means that a rule or law does not apply to someone because they were already doing something before the rule or law was created. They are exempt from the new regulation due to their pre-existing status.

What can I say instead of "grandfathered at"?

You can use alternatives like "exempted from", "excluded from", or "not subject to" depending on the context.

Is "grandfathered at" formal or informal?

"Grandfathered at" leans towards the formal side, often used in legal or regulatory contexts. However, it can be used in general contexts when discussing exceptions to new rules or policies. Consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase.

How to use "grandfathered at" in a sentence?

Example: "Properties under 25 acres are rarities that were "grandfathered at" the time the new zoning regulations went into effect." This shows that existing properties were allowed to remain despite new size restrictions.