save for a few exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'save for a few exceptions' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to imply that there are a few exceptions to a general trend or rule. For example: "Most students enjoyed the new teaching approach, save for a few exceptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But save for a few exceptions over the past decades, the province does not have any breeding populations of rats.

The Guardian

Inmates were forced to work on chain gangs – which, save for a few exceptions, had been abandoned by the US in 1955.

The Guardian

Undocumented migrants – otherwise known as illegal immigrants – of whom there are estimated to be hundreds of thousands living in the UK, are not entitled to free NHS care save for a few exceptions.

Independent

The Saxton line, which without the name still bore the traces of Rockefeller lineage, continues off in another direction, save for a few exceptions in John D. Rockefeller's records when they collide again to ask for money; these requests were turned down by John D.'s secretaries, and it remains unclear if he knew he had two illegitimate half-sisters.

The New York Times

Prince responded that, save for a few exceptions, every evening for the next five months was already accounted for.

Forbes

Yet while this group shows Pinotage's kinder, gentler side, it offers further evidence that the wine is not a world-class varietal (save for a few exceptions, such as the 91-point Fairview Pinotage Paarl Primo 2001 and the 90-point Kanonkop Pinotage Simonsberg-Stellenbosch 2000).

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

That art provides a vehicle for bringing dry political sentiment to life is certainly not a new observation – but save for a few notable exceptions, there has been a gaping hole where creative energy should be.

The Guardian

Yet save for a few notable exceptions, almost everyone who has stopped taking ARVs has seen the virus jump back to high levels a few weeks later.

Science Magazine

Everything was dark, save for a few shots of fuchsia.

The New York Times

("Always a therapist," she joked). Everything is for sale, save a few exceptions.

Los Angeles Times

But for a few exceptions, they have a way to go.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "save for a few exceptions", ensure the exceptions are genuinely few and don't undermine the general statement's validity. If there are many exceptions, rephrase to reflect the complexity more accurately.

Common error

Avoid using "save for a few exceptions" when the exceptions are substantial or frequent. This can mislead the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "save for a few exceptions" functions as a prepositional phrase that qualifies or limits the scope of a statement. It indicates that a general rule or observation holds true, but there are a small number of instances where it does not apply. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "save for a few exceptions" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that introduces a qualification to a general statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that while a rule or observation generally holds true, there are some limited instances where it does not apply. It's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific writing, where accuracy is essential. To ensure effective communication, it's crucial to confirm that the exceptions are genuinely limited and do not undermine the overall validity of the statement. Consider using alternatives like "except for a handful of cases" or "with limited exceptions" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except for a handful of cases

Emphasizes a very small number of exceptions.

with limited exceptions

Focuses on the constraint or restriction of the exceptions.

apart from some instances

Highlights specific occurrences that differ from the norm.

barring a few alterations

Implies changes are the exception.

excluding some special circumstances

Specific conditions are considered exceptions.

besides a couple of situations

Suggests rarity of certain situations.

aside from certain deviations

Highlights departures from an established path.

but for a small number of deviations

Formal tone stressing minimal variations.

save for some odd cases

Stresses atypical nature of the exceptions.

except in rare situations

Rare cases are set apart.

FAQs

How can I use "save for a few exceptions" in a sentence?

Use "save for a few exceptions" to indicate that a statement is generally true, but there are some limited exceptions. For example, "All students passed the exam, save for a few exceptions".

What does "save for a few exceptions" mean?

It means "except for a small number of cases". It's used to show that something is generally true, but not in every instance.

Are there synonyms for "save for a few exceptions"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "except for a handful of cases", "with limited exceptions", or "apart from some instances".

Is it okay to use "save for a few exceptions" in formal writing?

Yes, "save for a few exceptions" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to indicate exceptions to a general rule.