is an exception to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is an exception to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something does not follow a general rule or pattern. Example: "This case is an exception to the usual guidelines we follow in our procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Life Is Hard" is an exception to the overall sound.

Huffington Post

Wilbur is an exception to this tendency.

The New York Times - Books

There is an exception to that rule.

The New York Times - Books

There is an exception to this.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there is an exception to his neighborliness.

The New York Times

But there is an exception to this story of success.

The Guardian

Holly Lock is an exception to the hostility.

The Guardian - Books

There is an exception to this, worth noting.

The Guardian

There is an exception to the rule, however.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pianist Paul Bley is an exception to this rule.

The New York Times - Arts

Mounts Baths, however, is an exception to the rule.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is an exception to" when you want to emphasize that something doesn't follow a general rule or pattern. It's helpful for clarifying when a typical expectation is not met.

Common error

Avoid using "is an exception to" when the rule itself is already an exception or a rare occurrence. The phrase works best when applied to well-established, common patterns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is an exception to" functions as a qualifier or modifier, indicating that a particular case deviates from a general rule or norm. It is used to highlight something that does not conform to the expected pattern. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is an exception to" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate a deviation from a general rule or pattern. As Ludwig AI states, it is used to highlight specific instances that do not conform to the norm. This phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal writing, making it suitable for contexts where precision and clarity are paramount. While there are many alternative phrases, such as "represents a deviation from" and "differs from the standard", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it when the rule is generally true and the exception is noteworthy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't adhere to the rule

Focuses on the non-compliance with a given regulation or guideline.

represents a deviation from

Highlights the divergence from a typical path or rule.

differs from the standard

Highlights a variation from an established norm or expectation.

constitutes a departure from

Emphasizes the act of moving away from a standard or norm.

is not in line with

Indicates a lack of conformity or agreement with a usual pattern.

stands as an anomaly within

Indicates something that is inconsistent with the general pattern.

marks an irregularity in

Focuses on the unusual or non-conforming nature of something.

contrasts with the prevailing trend

Stresses the difference against a common or dominant pattern.

proves to be an outlier among

Identifies something that falls outside the main group or trend.

breaks the mold of

Emphasizes the uniqueness and unconventionality of the item.

FAQs

How can I use "is an exception to" in a sentence?

You can use "is an exception to" to indicate that something doesn't follow a general rule or pattern. For example, "While most companies saw losses, this one "is an exception to" the trend."

What are some alternatives to "is an exception to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "represents a deviation from", "differs from the standard", or "doesn't adhere to the rule", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "is an exception to"?

Use "is an exception to" when something deviates from a commonly observed pattern or rule. Ensure that the rule is generally true and that the exception is noteworthy.

What's the difference between "is an exception to" and "is an alternative to"?

"Is an exception to" highlights something that doesn't follow a rule, while "is an alternative to" suggests a different option or choice. The former focuses on deviations, and the latter on substitutions.