seek an exemption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek an exemption" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting to be excused from a rule, requirement, or obligation. Example: "The organization decided to seek an exemption from the new regulations to continue its operations without interruption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Under such a plan, banks based overseas can seek an exemption if they face similar rules from foreign regulators.

The New York Times

They say their customers have the right to keep lighting up while management decides whether to seek an exemption.

The New York Times

Mr. Barbash said that in 1996, Congressional aides advised Enron's lawyers to seek an exemption directly from the agency.

The New York Times

With the Aviva costing €200,000 to hire they will instead seek an exemption to play at Tallaght, or raise capacity to the Uefa-minimum 8,000.

Independent

They seek an exemption to the contraceptive mandate on religious grounds, which the administration has granted to some churches and religiously affiliated nonprofits.

The Economist

He said Golos would seek an exemption by trying to prove in court that it does not engage in political activity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Initially, it had sought an exemption from state tax rules.

The New York Times

The Pentagon sought an exemption last year but failed.

The New York Times

Three times the king sought an exemption, and each time the pope refused.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, they also sought an exemption for something much more expansive: "portfolio hedging".

The New York Times

Nor are we seeking an exemption from the application of International Atomic Energy Agency rules.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing when using this phrase. While widely acceptable, it leans towards a professional or neutral tone and may not be appropriate for very informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "exception" interchangeably with "exemption". An exception is a general allowance for something, while an exemption is a release from a specific rule or obligation applied to a particular case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek an exemption" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating an action aimed at obtaining a specific outcome. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is considered grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek an exemption" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the act of attempting to obtain a release from a particular rule or obligation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and serves to denote the intention to be excused from specific requirements. Analysis of various sources reveals that the expression is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the rule from which the exemption is sought and differentiate between "exemption" and "exception". Alternatives such as "request a waiver" or "apply for a dispensation" offer similar meanings with slight contextual variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to get an exemption

Focuses on the attempt or effort made to secure the exemption.

try to obtain an exemption

Similar to the above, but emphasizes the act of gaining or securing the exemption.

ask for an exception

A more general way to request not to be held to a particular rule.

request a waiver

Focuses on the act of formally asking for the requirement to be set aside.

appeal for exemption

Emphasizes the act of making a plea or formal request for release.

apply for a dispensation

Suggests a more formal or legalistic context for the exception.

file for an exception

Emphasizes the procedural aspect of formally submitting a request.

seek a variance

Often used in legal or regulatory contexts to request a modification of standards.

pursue an exclusion

Highlights the effort to be excluded from a certain category or requirement.

look for a loophole

Implies searching for an ambiguity or exception in the rule.

FAQs

How to use "seek an exemption" in a sentence?

You can use "seek an exemption" to describe the act of trying to be excused from a rule or obligation. For example, "The company decided to seek an exemption from the new regulations".

What can I say instead of "seek an exemption"?

You can use alternatives like "request a waiver", "apply for a dispensation", or "ask for an exception depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "seek an exemption"?

It is appropriate to use "seek an exemption" in situations where an individual or organization is attempting to be formally excused from a specific rule, law, or obligation. This is common in legal, regulatory, and policy contexts.

What's the difference between "seek an exemption" and "request an exception"?

While similar, "seek an exemption" often implies a more formal or procedural approach to being excused from a rule, whereas "request an exception" can be more general and less formal. An exemption is usually granted based on specific criteria, while an exception might be granted on a case-by-case basis.