makes an exception

USAGE SUMMARY

"makes an exception" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to deviate from a rule or usual practice in a particular situation. Example: The company usually follows a strict no-pets policy, but they made an exception for Sarah's service dog.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here and there he makes an exception.

The New Yorker

He makes an exception for the classic.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet he makes an exception for marxism.

The Guardian

But he makes an exception for cervelas.

The New York Times

He makes an exception for speeches to children.

The New York Times - Sports

But, unlike Mourdock, Donnelly makes an exception in the case of rape or incest.

The New York Times

He makes an exception for the Apple iPad, which is proving surprisingly granny-friendly.

Independent

(The law makes an exception if those involved are less than three years apart).

The New York Times

Today, however, he makes an exception for Stu Ockman, who is also making his debut.

The New York Times

The open meetings law makes an exception for meetings protected by attorney-client privilege.

The New York Times

But he makes an exception for John Bercow, the Commons Speaker.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "makes an exception", ensure the reason for the deviation is clear and justified within the context. Providing this clarity helps to avoid perceptions of unfairness or arbitrariness.

Common error

Avoid overusing the phrase "makes an exception", as frequent exceptions can undermine the authority and purpose of the original rule or standard. Consider if the exceptions indicate a need to revise the rule itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes an exception" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating an action of deviating from a general rule or usual course of action. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage. Examples in Ludwig show it applied in legal, social, and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "makes an exception" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates a deviation from a standard rule or practice. According to the Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly employed across various contexts. Its usage spans from news and media to academic and scientific domains, reflecting its adaptability. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, ensure clarity in explaining the reason for the exception to maintain fairness and avoid undermining the rule itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviates from the norm

Emphasizes a departure from typical behavior or expectations. It slightly alters the focus from a rule to a general pattern.

allows for a departure

Highlights the permission or possibility of deviating from a set standard. More passive in tone.

admits an exception

Highlights the acknowledgment and acceptance of a case that does not conform to the standard rule.

carves out an exception

Highlights the act of creating a specific and separate case. More formal than the original phrase.

provides an exemption

Focuses on formally excluding someone or something from a rule or obligation. More legalistic in tone.

sets aside the rule

Focuses on temporarily suspending or ignoring a rule. Suitable for situations where the rule might be reinstated later.

grants a dispensation

Implies a formal or authoritative permission to disregard a rule. Suggests an element of leniency.

bends the rules

Suggests a less strict or more flexible interpretation of the rules. Implies some level of informality.

makes a concession

Implies yielding a point or demand in a negotiation or agreement. Emphasizes compromise.

creates a loophole

Implies finding an ambiguity or omission in a rule to circumvent its intended effect. Can have negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "makes an exception" in a sentence?

Use "makes an exception" to indicate a deviation from a standard rule or usual practice. For example: "The company usually doesn't allow pets, but they "made an exception" for service animals."

What are some alternatives to "makes an exception"?

Alternatives include "grants a dispensation", "provides an exemption", or "sets aside the rule", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "makes an exception" or "grants an exception"?

Both "makes an exception" and "grants an exception" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Grants an exception" is slightly more formal and often implies a formal or official approval, while "makes an exception" is more general.

When is it appropriate to "make an exception"?

It is appropriate to "make an exception" when there are compelling circumstances that justify deviating from a standard rule or practice. However, it's crucial to ensure that the exception is fair, justified, and doesn't undermine the overall purpose of the rule.