startling exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "startling exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected or surprising deviation from a norm or rule. Example: "The study revealed a startling exception to the commonly accepted theory, prompting further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

With one startling exception.

The Guardian

But 2015 provided a startling exception.

The Guardian

(A startling exception was Arkansas, where Mark Pryor, the son of a hugely popular former Democratic senator, unseated Tim Hutchinson).

The Economist

(England's Gary Hume is a startling exception; his chic enamelled pictures, on aluminum, seem to be present by mistake).

The New Yorker

The startling exception is the acid-voiced Jean Harlow, as a trophy wife (Wallace Beery is her obnoxious husband) who snarls at her maid and lies around in bed all day waiting for her doctor lover to show up.

The New Yorker

Yours is a startling exception to most of the negatively slanted stories in other mainstream media that simply repeat the distortions or outright lies of city officials and police spokespeople.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

With some startling exceptions, prognosticators are usually dead wrong.

The New York Times

There were some startling exceptions to the rule - like the abundance of ramps in Chengdu, the helpful policeman on the train to Xian, the couple in Shenzhen station who lent us correct change for a vending machine, and Yingchen, the biology student in Hangzhou station who helped us find a guard with a key for the lift.

BBC

The Bo saga gave rise to other rumors, about other Party bosses, and though censors kept as much off the Web as they could, each new tale sounded less startling, less the exception than the rule.

The New Yorker

With some startling and welcome exceptions (Isabella Blow, a fashion muse to a number of designers, in a sequined sheath, Hamish Bowles of Vogue in a lavender shirt), they seem to be dressed for a stylish funeral.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is startling that, with one exception, every big drug merger since 1970 has led to a subsequent loss in market share (see chart on).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "startling exception" when you want to emphasize that something deviates from an established pattern in a surprising or unexpected way. This phrase is effective for highlighting anomalies that warrant further attention or investigation.

Common error

While "startling exception" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "surprise" or "oddity" in informal settings for more natural communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startling exception" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies something that deviates unexpectedly from a norm or pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "startling exception" effectively highlights unexpected deviations from established norms, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, primarily used in neutral and formal contexts like news and science, to draw attention to significant anomalies. While grammatically sound, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual settings. Remember to emphasize the surprise and significance of the deviation when using this phrase, and avoid overuse in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional case

A more straightforward alternative, directly replacing "exception" with "case".

surprising anomaly

Replaces "exception" with "anomaly" emphasizing the irregularity.

unexpected deviation

Uses "deviation" instead of "exception", focusing on the act of departing from the standard.

remarkable divergence

Emphasizes the extent of the difference from the norm.

striking departure

Highlights the action of moving away from the usual pattern.

notable outlier

Replaces "exception" with "outlier", a statistical term for a data point that differs significantly from others.

uncommon irregularity

Focuses on the infrequency and lack of uniformity.

peculiar instance

Highlights the unusual nature of the occurrence.

rare inconsistency

Emphasizes the scarcity of the deviation.

singular oddity

Focuses on the uniqueness and strangeness of the exception.

FAQs

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

You can use "startling exception" to highlight an unexpected deviation from a norm or trend. For example, "The study revealed a "startling exception" to the commonly accepted theory, prompting further investigation."

What can I say instead of "startling exception"?

Alternatives include "surprising anomaly", "unexpected deviation", or "exceptional case" depending on the context.

Is "startling exception" formal or informal?

"Startling exception" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "surprise" or "oddity" might be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "startling exception" or "startled exception"?

"Startling exception" is correct when describing something that causes surprise. "Startled exception" is not a standard phrase. The word startled is used to describe someone who is surprised by something.