in exceptional circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in exceptional circumstances' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to situations in which the usual rules or accepted standards do not apply. For example: "The university allows students to make up missed tests in exceptional circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Independent

It says that we should – except in exceptional circumstances – avoid anonymous pejorative quotes.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

BBC

We only allow that in exceptional circumstances".

The New York Times

Sometimes, but only in exceptional circumstances.

The Economist

They may also telecommute in exceptional circumstances.

The Economist

About advertising (unless in exceptional circumstances).

The Guardian

This can be reduced but only in exceptional circumstances.

The Guardian

The measure would only be used "in exceptional circumstances".

The Guardian

But the longer period may be reinstated in exceptional circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other methods are possible - but only in exceptional circumstances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in exceptional circumstances" to denote a clear deviation from standard procedure, ensuring the reason for the deviation is well-justified and documented.

Common error

Avoid using "in exceptional circumstances" as a catch-all for any deviation from policy. Reserve it for genuinely rare and significant situations to maintain its intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in exceptional circumstances" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action or event is permissible or likely to occur. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage and provides various examples showcasing its role in setting conditions for exceptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in exceptional circumstances" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate deviations from standard procedures or policies. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its common occurrence in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. While grammatically sound, remember to define 'exceptional circumstances' clearly to avoid overuse and ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "in uncommon circumstances" or "under rare conditions" to add nuance. When writing, always check if exceptional circumstances truly apply and are well-justified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in uncommon circumstances

Replaces "exceptional" with "uncommon", suggesting a less frequent occurrence.

under rare conditions

Focuses on the rarity of the conditions that allow for an exception.

in extraordinary cases

Emphasizes the unusual nature of the situation.

when all other options are exhausted

Highlights that this is a last resort when no alternatives are present.

as a last resort

Highlights that this is a last resort, and used only when other options have failed.

only if absolutely necessary

Emphasizes the necessity and the reluctance to use the exception.

in specific instances

Highlights that this is valid only for particular instances.

under special circumstances

Replaces "exceptional" with "special", indicating a deviation from the norm.

in unusual situations

Focuses on the atypical nature of the scenario.

under unforeseen circumstances

Suggests the situation was unexpected and not planned for.

FAQs

How can I use "in exceptional circumstances" in a sentence?

The phrase "in exceptional circumstances" is used to indicate that something is permitted or might occur only when specific, unusual conditions are met. For example: "The library may waive late fees "in exceptional circumstances", such as a documented medical emergency."

What are some alternatives to using "in exceptional circumstances"?

You can use alternatives such as "in uncommon circumstances", "under rare conditions", or "in extraordinary cases" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "in exceptional circumstances" or "under exceptional circumstances"?

Both "in exceptional circumstances" and "under exceptional circumstances" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. However, ""in exceptional circumstances"" is more common in contemporary usage.

What distinguishes "in exceptional circumstances" from "in special circumstances"?

While both phrases suggest deviations from the norm, ""in exceptional circumstances"" often implies a higher degree of rarity or urgency than "in special circumstances". Special circumstances might be more predictable, while exceptional ones are often unforeseen.