the few exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the few exceptions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of cases that do not follow a general rule or pattern. Example: "Most students passed the exam, with the few exceptions being those who did not attend the review sessions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the few exceptions is Andre Agassi.

The New York Times - Sports

The few exceptions to this rule are in fiction.

The New York Times - Books

The few exceptions were rooting for Rashard Lewis.

The New York Times - Sports

Kate Hull Rodgers is one of the few exceptions.

The Guardian - Money

The few exceptions are pictures about aerial combat.

The Guardian

The few exceptions have been highlighted in the media, and this view is misleading.

Stanford University

The firm is one of the few exceptions to the venture world's disinterest in hiring women.

The New York Times - Tech

His ferocious portrait is one of the few exceptions in the book, published by Simon & Schuster.

The New York Times - Books

Amy Heckerling has been among the few exceptions to this sorry rule.

The New York Times

Among the few exceptions is Jenoptik, an optical company in Jena.

The Economist

Au Revoir Simone, a synthy Brooklyn band, is one of the few exceptions.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the few exceptions", ensure that the general rule or pattern you are referring to is clearly established. This provides context and makes the exceptions more meaningful.

Common error

Avoid using "the few exceptions" when the number of exceptions is actually significant or close to the number of cases following the rule. This can mislead your audience. If there are many exceptions consider using other phrasing like "several exceptions" or "many exceptions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the few exceptions" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a small and limited set of cases that deviate from a general rule or pattern. As Ludwig suggests, it highlights the contrast between a general trend and its rare departures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the few exceptions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that highlights the limited departures from a general rule or pattern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, especially in news, academic writing, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the general rule is well-established and that the exceptions are genuinely few in number. Alternatives like "a handful of exceptions" or "some rare exceptions" can offer nuanced shades of meaning, depending on the context. Understanding its appropriate usage and potential pitfalls will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a handful of exceptions

Replaces "few" with "handful", emphasizing the small quantity of exceptions.

some rare exceptions

Substitutes "few" with "rare", highlighting the infrequency of the exceptions.

the limited exceptions

Replaces "few" with "limited", stressing the restricted number of exceptions.

the isolated exceptions

Substitutes "few" with "isolated", indicating that the exceptions are uncommon and distinct.

the atypical instances

Replaces "exceptions" with "instances" and implies that these cases are not typical or representative.

the uncommon deviations

Replaces "exceptions" with "deviations", emphasizing that these cases stray from the norm.

the scant exceptions

Replaces "few" with "scant", highlighting the minimal number of exceptions.

the exceptional cases

Replaces "exceptions" with "cases", focusing on the specific instances that are exceptional.

the odd exceptions

Substitutes "few" with "odd", suggesting that the exceptions are unusual or peculiar.

the rare instances

Replaces both "few" and "exceptions" with "rare" and "instances" respectively, emphasizing the infrequency and specificity of these cases.

FAQs

How can I use "the few exceptions" in a sentence?

You can use "the few exceptions" to indicate a small number of instances that don't follow a general rule. For example: "Most students passed the exam; "the few exceptions" were those who didn't study."

What are some alternatives to "the few exceptions"?

Alternatives include "a handful of exceptions", "some rare exceptions", or "the limited exceptions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "the few exceptions"?

Use "the few exceptions" when you want to emphasize that a particular rule or pattern holds true in the vast majority of cases, and only a small number of instances deviate from it. Ensure this deviation is actually a small number.

What's the difference between "the few exceptions" and "some exceptions"?

"The few exceptions" implies a smaller number of exceptions and a stronger adherence to a general rule than "some exceptions". "Some exceptions" simply indicates that exceptions exist without specifying how many.