there are exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'there are exceptions' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that while something is generally true, there may be some specific cases that are not included in the general rule. For example, "Most students have to take an English test before entering college, but there are exceptions for students who already have a degree in English."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

THERE are exceptions, of course.

The New York Times

Occasionally there are exceptions.

The New York Times

Yes, there are exceptions.

The New York Times

Sure, there are exceptions.

The New York Times

There are exceptions, natch.

The New York Times

But there are exceptions.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Naturally, there were exceptions.

The New Yorker

But there were exceptions.

The New York Times

There were exceptions, however.

The New York Times

Fortunately, there were exceptions.

The New York Times

Then there were exceptions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there are exceptions" to acknowledge the limitations of a claim or generalization, showing balanced and accurate judgment.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "there are exceptions" without providing specific instances. Always offer context or examples to support the exception and maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there are exceptions" functions as an introductory device to acknowledge deviations from a general rule. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that while something is generally true, specific cases exist where this is not the case. For instance, Ludwig shows its uses in academic, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there are exceptions" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge deviations from a general rule. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. As seen in the examples, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academia, highlighting its applicability across various contexts. To use it effectively, always follow up with specific examples to support the exception. It is better to avoid simply saying that something has some edge cases. The alternative phrases, such as "exceptions exist" or "there are some caveats", can provide variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptions exist

This alternative is more concise, focusing on the existence of exceptions.

some things are an exception

This alternative rephrases the statement to emphasize that some cases are exceptional.

there are some special cases

This alternative specifies that the exceptions are particular cases.

there are some caveats

This alternative highlights specific conditions or stipulations.

that is not universally true

This alternative focuses on the lack of universal truth.

the rule does not always apply

This alternative clarifies that the standard rule has known outliers.

this does not apply in every situation

This alternative highlights situational variances.

not always the case

This alternative uses a more general way to denote exceptions.

it's not always true

This alternative focuses on the truthfulness of a general statement.

some things are different

This alternative uses a simpler, less direct approach.

FAQs

How can I use "there are exceptions" in a sentence?

Use "there are exceptions" to acknowledge that a general rule or statement may not apply in all cases. For example, "Most birds can fly, but "there are exceptions", such as penguins."

What are some alternatives to "there are exceptions"?

You can use alternatives such as "exceptions exist", "there are some caveats", or "not always the case" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "there are exceptions"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is commonly used to indicate that while something is generally true, there are cases where it does not apply.

When is it appropriate to use "there are exceptions" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "there are exceptions" when you want to acknowledge that a general rule or statement has specific instances where it does not hold true, providing a more nuanced and accurate depiction.