the only exception is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only exception is that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a specific condition or situation that differs from the general rule or statement being made. Example: "All employees must clock in by 9 AM; the only exception is that those with flexible schedules can arrive later."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The only exception is that EpiSCs lack alkaline phosphatase activity.

Plosone

The only exception is that Sussex cattle tend to be a little more muscular and larger in size than Red Polls.

WikiHow

'The only exception is that section 350(4) omits legislative committees.' S.Rep.No.91—617, p. 154 (1969).

Cornell University

The only exception is that the first half-term exam period is the final week of the subject.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The only exception is that in the fall deer hunters can slog their way into the forest.

The New York Times - Arts

The only exception is that the naive OLS yields a slightly higher failure rate when the portfolio under consideration is composed of only a few stocks.

International Review of Financial Analysis

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The only exception was that liberalism in Christians was associated with less growth in scores on the knowledge scale (β = −.587, p < .01; see Table 7).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The only exception was that in 1998 the prevalence of overweight in urban areas decreased slightly.

BMC Public Health

The only exception being that Polymita picta was not grouped with the other species of the Helminthoglyptidae.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The two control groups had closely similar exposure distributions of 15 out of 16 factors, with the only exception being that hospital controls were less likely to have a BMI ≥ 25 (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.93).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The only exceptions are that vitamin D2 has a double bond between carbons 22 and 23 and a methyl group on carbon 24 (Fig. 1).

Dermato-Endocrinology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the only exception is that", ensure the preceding statement is a clear and general rule to make the exception easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "the only exception is that" if the general rule isn't explicitly stated or is vague, as this can cause confusion for the reader. Ensure clarity in your initial statement before introducing the exception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only exception is that" functions as a transitional phrase. It serves to introduce a specific condition that deviates from a previously stated general rule. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

23%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only exception is that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a specific deviation from a general rule. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, including science, news, and academia. While variations like "except that" and "with the exception that" offer alternative ways to express the same idea, clarity in the initial rule is crucial for effective communication. As Ludwig AI's analysis suggests, this phrase is a valuable tool for adding precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except that

This alternative provides a more concise way to introduce the exception.

with the exception that

This alternative is slightly more formal but conveys the same meaning.

with the sole exception that

This alternative places emphasis on the uniqueness of the exception.

save that

This is a more formal and less common way to introduce an exception.

apart from the fact that

This alternative is lengthier but emphasizes the specific detail of the exception.

however

This alternative introduces a contrast, highlighting the exception.

the only difference being that

This focuses on the distinction rather than the exception to a rule.

excluding the case where

This emphasizes that the deviation happens in some particular case.

but

This provides a much shorter way to indicate that something is different, however it may require further explanation.

but with the added condition that

This highlights that there's a difference between the initial scenario and the exception.

FAQs

How to use "the only exception is that" in a sentence?

Use "the only exception is that" to introduce a specific case that deviates from a general rule or statement. For example: "All students must submit their assignments on time; the only exception is that students with documented medical emergencies can request an extension."

What can I say instead of "the only exception is that"?

You can use alternatives like "except that", "with the exception that", or "however" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "the only exception is that" and "the only condition is that"?

"The only exception is that" highlights a deviation from a general rule, while "the only condition is that" sets a specific requirement that must be met. They serve different purposes in a sentence.

Is it redundant to use "the only exception is that" after already stating something is generally true?

No, it's not redundant if you're clarifying a specific situation where the general rule doesn't apply. It provides clarity and avoids potential misunderstandings.