single exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'single exception' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to one exception to a rule, or one exception out of many possible exceptions. For example, "The rules of this game are strict, with only a single exception allowed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was a single exception.

The New York Times

The Sousa Subbasin is the single exception.

Journal of South American Earth Sciences

Mind you, there wasn&apos t a single exception.

The New York Times - Books

Not a single exception has come to light.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A single exception was observed in a small subgroup of men with no gray hair".

The New York Times

(The single exception belonged to a researcher who worked extensively with communications).

The New Yorker

The single exception is the mandate of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The Guardian - Opinion

Could Mr Blair end up the single exception that will prove the rule?

The Guardian - Opinion

What we are living through now has happened in all revolutions without a single exception.

The Guardian

With a single exception, the identified firing positions were on Russian soil.

The Guardian

What we've been hearing, with a single exception, points to a fundamental agreement with the bill.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "single exception" to clearly indicate that there is only one instance that does not conform to a general rule or pattern. This emphasizes the rarity or uniqueness of that instance.

Common error

Avoid using "single exception" to describe trivial deviations or minor inconsistencies. Ensure the exception is substantial enough to warrant specific mention and impacts the overall understanding of the rule or pattern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single exception" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun or clause, specifying a condition where a general rule does not apply. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "single exception" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the only instance that deviates from a general rule or pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. As evidenced by numerous examples, it's common across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like ""unique exception"" or ""lone exception"" exist, "single exception" provides a clear and direct way to specify that only one such instance exists. When writing, use the phrase judiciously to accurately convey that something is indeed the sole deviation from an otherwise consistent pattern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique exception

Emphasizes the distinct and unparalleled nature of the exception.

lone exception

Highlights the isolation and singularity of the exception.

solitary exception

Similar to 'lone exception', emphasizing the isolated nature.

isolated case

Shifts the focus to the instance rather than the exception itself.

exceptional instance

Highlights the unusual and remarkable quality of the event.

one-off case

Suggests that the situation is unlikely to be repeated.

anomaly

Refers to a deviation from the norm or expected pattern.

atypical example

Focuses on the departure from the typical or standard instance.

deviant example

Emphasizes the deviation from the general pattern or rule.

one-time exception

Suggests that the exception is valid only for a specific occasion.

FAQs

How can I use "single exception" in a sentence?

You can use "single exception" to highlight a specific instance that doesn't follow a general rule. For example, "Every employee is required to attend the meeting, with the "single exception" of those on medical leave."

What phrases are similar to "single exception"?

Alternatives include "unique exception", "lone exception", or "solitary exception". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "only single exception"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "only" with "single exception" can be redundant. "Single exception" already implies that there is just one exception, so "only" is often unnecessary. It depends on personal style and the level of emphasis desired.

What is the difference between "single exception" and "rare exception"?

A ""single exception"" means there is literally only one exception. "Rare exception" indicates that exceptions are uncommon, but there could be more than one.