sole exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is the only case or instance that differs from a general rule or statement. Example: "All employees must clock in by 9 AM, with the sole exception of those on flexible schedules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sole exception is tiny Tunisia.

The Economist

The sole exception was Layton, who called him a scapegoat.

The Washington Post

The sole exception was the candidate's own entrance.

The New Yorker

(Virtually the sole exception to this rule is Jack Bauer.

The New Yorker

The sole exception was footwear, which rose 9percentt.

The New York Times

The sole exception is Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker.

The Guardian - Film

The sole exception to this is dog-walking.

Independent

The sole exception was one larger cabin reserved for Hitler.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sole exception was their intestines, which showed evidence of severe shock or irritation.

The New York Times

Consistently, with the sole exception of New York, I stay at Four Seasons whenever I can.

The New York Times

The resulting list was eminent, uptown and overwhelmingly male (with the sole exception of Libby Larsen).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sole exception", ensure that it is immediately clear what general rule or statement the exception applies to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "sole exception" when there are actually multiple exceptions to a rule. This undermines the meaning of "sole" and creates confusion. In such cases, opt for phrases like "exceptions include" or "with a few exceptions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole exception" functions as a qualifier, specifying a condition where a general rule does not apply. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signals that there is only one case that deviates from the norm. Examples show its use in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sole exception" is a frequently used phrase to denote the only instance that doesn't comply with a stated rule or pattern. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and versatile across various contexts including news, science, and encyclopedias. The phrase serves to emphasize the uniqueness of the exception, thereby clarifying the scope of the rule. Alternatives such as "only exception" or "single exception" offer similar meaning. When writing, ensure only one exception exists to maintain accuracy. This phrase is valuable for precise communication, emphasizing the distinctiveness of a specific deviation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single exception

Replaces "sole" with "single", emphasizing the uniqueness of the exception using a different adjective.

only exception

Uses "only" instead of "sole", providing a more direct and common way to express the same meaning.

unique exception

Substitutes "sole" with "unique" to highlight the distinctiveness of the exception.

lone exception

Replaces "sole" with "lone", emphasizing the isolated nature of the exception.

solitary exception

Uses "solitary" instead of "sole", suggesting the exception is isolated and standing alone.

exceptional case

Shifts from exception to "case", focusing on the instance rather than the deviation.

isolated instance

Replaces "exception" with "instance", describing it as a separate, unconnected occurrence.

one-off case

Informal phrasing indicating a unique, non-recurring situation.

outlier

Statistical term for a value that differs greatly from others in a set, implying deviation from the norm.

anomaly

Scientific term indicating something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

FAQs

What does "sole exception" mean?

The phrase "sole exception" indicates that there is only one instance or case that does not follow a general rule or pattern. It emphasizes that something is the only deviation from the norm.

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

You can use "sole exception" to highlight the unique instance that doesn't conform to a general rule. For example, "All employees are required to attend the meeting, with the "sole exception" of those on leave."

What are some alternatives to "sole exception"?

Alternatives include phrases like "only exception", "single exception", or "unique exception". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "sole exceptions" when there are multiple?

No, "sole" means only one. If there are multiple exceptions, use phrases like "main exceptions", "key exceptions", or "several exceptions" to accurately reflect the situation.