one-time exception

USAGE SUMMARY

"one-time exception" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an occasion where something happens despite usually being disallowed or otherwise forbidden. For example, you might say, "The manager granted me a one-time exception and allowed me to work overtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

This week, the National Security Council decided to send the man to Yemen in a one-time exception, an official said on Friday.

The New York Times

Staff lawyers for Mr. Leahy and Mr. Grassley are working on draft language that would make clear that the change was a one-time exception, although it would not name Mr. Mueller specifically, according to an official familiar with the deliberations.

The New York Times

More important, Felton has by all accounts made good on his promise that last season's lockout-worsened conditioning issues were a one-time exception.

The New York Times

The company eventually credited them as "a one-time exception," he said.

The New York Times

"As such, we decided to make a one-time exception to our standard.

The New York Times

There is a one-time exception that would allow the Bills to break the agreement for just under $28.4m in 2020.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But that's all very hypothetical: maybe justices could instead retain their strict Pension Clause doctrine, on the theory that the people can easily make one-time exceptions as needed.

The Washington Post

Please note that this is a one time exception because the iTunes Terms and Conditions state that all sales are final".

TechCrunch

They may also be much more agreeable to a one time exception rather than a cart blanche agreement for the children to miss school whenever there is a planned trip.

Huffington Post

Unless you are a resident of another state in which case you can request a one time exception from the county in which the license is obtained.

WikiHow

"As far as I am concerned, it's a one-time only exception.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "one-time exception", clearly state the standard rule or policy that is being deviated from to provide context.

Common error

Avoid implying that a "one-time exception" sets a new precedent. Emphasize its non-recurring nature to prevent future misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one-time exception" functions as a noun modifier, specifically acting as a compound adjective to describe the type of exception being made. This is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one-time exception" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a singular deviation from an established rule or policy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and formal communications. The phrase is often used to clarify that the exception is not a precedent and should not be interpreted as a permanent policy change. When using "one-time exception", clarity is key; explicitly stating the rule being deviated from can prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single deviation

Highlights the act of departing from a norm or standard on one occasion.

isolated instance

Emphasizes the uniqueness and singularity of the occurrence.

exceptional circumstance

Underlines that only due to specific circumstances something can be allowed just one time.

limited exemption

Focuses on the restrictive nature of the exception, applying only to a single case.

unique concession

Focuses on the act of granting something not usually permitted, but only once.

non-recurring event

Stresses that the exception will not happen again.

special allowance

Highlights the permission granted, which is not normally given and occurs only once.

instance-specific waiver

Highlights that something is waived only for that instance.

out-of-norm event

Emphasizes the deviation of that event from the norm.

ad hoc accommodation

Highlights that accommodation is done for a particular or specific purpose only.

FAQs

How can I use "one-time exception" in a sentence?

You can use "one-time exception" to indicate a deviation from a standard rule that is only applied once. For example, "The company made a "one-time exception" to their policy to accommodate the customer's request."

What's a good substitute for "one-time exception"?

Alternatives include "isolated instance", "single deviation", or "exceptional circumstance", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "one time exception" without the hyphen?

While understandable, "one-time exception" is generally preferred and more grammatically sound because "one-time" acts as a compound adjective modifying "exception".

What is the difference between a "one-time exception" and a permanent policy change?

A "one-time exception" is a singular instance where a rule is waived, while a permanent policy change alters the rule itself for all future instances.