major exception is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major exception is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant deviation or rule that stands out from the general case or norm. Example: "Most employees are required to work on weekends, but the major exception is for those with family commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

One major exception is the environment.

The New York Times

The major exception is the wide Jæren Plain, south of Stavanger.

Britannica

The major exception is Fielder, who has said he will probably play elsewhere next season.

The New York Times - Sports

The major exception is utility stocks, which had climbed earlier with Treasury bonds as a refuge from global market uncertainty.

The New York Times

A major exception is Stanford, which has raised more in recent years than any other American university.

The New York Times

One major exception is the Australian slate that will be used for the building's southern exterior, where it will oxidize over time to a rust color.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

One major exception are migrants heading to the capital cities.

Princeton University

Iraq's population is largely Arab, with the major exception being the Kurds.

The New Yorker

The one major exception was Dec. 31, 1999, for the countdown to 2000.

The New York Times

The major exception was Ms. Pinkins, who earned $2,500 a week, plus perks (see "The Star").

The New York Times - Arts

The major exception was a 115-83 loss in Denver on Saturday, which Thomas chalked up to fatigue.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major exception is", ensure the context clearly establishes the general rule or pattern from which the exception deviates. This provides clarity and avoids confusion for the reader.

Common error

Avoid presenting a minor deviation as a "major exception". Ensure the exception truly warrants the emphasis implied by "major" to maintain credibility and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major exception is" functions as a transitional phrase or a discourse marker. It signals a deviation from a general statement or rule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces something that does not conform to the norm, providing a contrast and highlighting a specific case.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major exception is" serves as a crucial tool for introducing significant deviations from general rules across various writing contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase appears frequently in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its versatility. When employing "major exception is", ensure that the exception is genuinely significant and that the context establishes the general rule. By understanding its function and adhering to best practices, you can effectively use "major exception is" to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main exception is

Uses "main" instead of "major", conveying the exception is central or principal.

notable exception is

Replaces "major" with "notable", indicating the exception is worthy of attention.

significant exception is

Substitutes "major" with "significant", highlighting the importance of the exception.

key exception is

Uses "key" instead of "major", emphasizing the importance of the exception.

primary exception is

Replaces "major" with "primary", suggesting this is the most important exception.

principal exception is

Substitutes "major" with "principal", indicating the exception is a primary one.

the biggest exception is

Adds "biggest" to emphasize the size or importance of the exception.

chief exception is

Uses "chief" instead of "major", implying the exception is the most important.

foremost exception is

Replaces "major" with "foremost", highlighting that the exception is prominent.

a critical exception is

Replaces "major" with "critical", suggesting the exception is crucial or essential.

FAQs

How can I use "major exception is" in a sentence?

Use "major exception is" to introduce a significant deviation from a general rule or trend. For example, "Most companies require employees to be in the office, but a "major exception is" made for those with medical conditions".

What are some alternatives to "major exception is"?

You can use alternatives like "notable exception is", "significant exception is", or "key exception is" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "major exception is" when describing an exception?

No, you should only use "major exception is" when the exception is truly significant. If it's a minor or common exception, a less emphatic phrase might be more appropriate.

How does "major exception is" differ from "minor exception is"?

"Major exception is" indicates a significant deviation from a general rule, while "minor exception is" suggests a small or less important deviation. The choice depends on the impact and relevance of the exception.