very few exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

"very few exceptions" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that there are very few exceptions to something, or that something only applies to very few exceptions. For example, "Though the rule generally applies to everyone, there are very few exceptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There were very few exceptions.

The New Yorker

A: With very few exceptions, yes.

Harvard University

There are a very few exceptions.

The Guardian - Books

With very few exceptions, I start patients on metformin first.

Stanford University

"Men with very few exceptions, won't read books about women".

The New Yorker

So, with very few exceptions, you do nothing for cancer.

The Washington Post

"With very few exceptions," he writes, "nobody uses them anymore.

The New Yorker

With very few exceptions, committees are a joke.

The New York Times

With very few exceptions, clinical trials evaluating novel potential therapies have provided disappointing results.

Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And with very few exceptions, we have never spoken since.

Huffington Post

With very few exceptions, mollusks act as intermediate hosts in digenean life cycles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very few exceptions", ensure the context clearly defines the rule or principle to which the exceptions apply. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "very few exceptions" without clearly defining what constitutes an exception. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very few exceptions" functions as a qualifier, specifying that a general statement or rule is valid in almost all cases, with only a small number of deviations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very few exceptions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used qualifier that indicates a general rule or statement holds true in most cases. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to emphasize the reliability of a statement while acknowledging the possibility of infrequent deviations. It appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure the context makes clear what rule is being referenced and what would be considered an exception, preventing potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost no exceptions

Replaces "very few" with "almost no", slightly emphasizing the lack of exceptions.

virtually no exceptions

Replaces "very few" with "virtually no", suggesting that exceptions are practically nonexistent.

hardly any exceptions

Uses "hardly any" to convey a similar meaning of scarcity of exceptions.

scarcely any exceptions

Employs "scarcely any" for a more formal tone, indicating a minimal number of exceptions.

next to no exceptions

Uses "next to no" to indicate a quantity nearing zero, emphasizing the scarcity of exceptions.

exceptions are rare

Changes the structure to highlight the rarity of exceptions, rather than the fewness.

few if any exceptions

Adds a slight uncertainty, suggesting that exceptions might not even exist.

with limited exceptions

Shifts focus to the limited nature of the exceptions, rather than their quantity.

exceptions are minimal

Focuses on the degree or extent of exceptions, indicating they are insubstantial.

almost none

Shortens the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of a lack of exceptions.

FAQs

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

You can use "very few exceptions" to indicate that a rule or statement is generally true, with only a small number of cases where it does not apply. For instance, "The restaurant is open every day, with "almost no exceptions"".

What are some alternatives to "very few exceptions"?

Alternatives include "hardly any exceptions", "scarcely any exceptions", or "exceptions are rare". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "very few exceptions" or "almost no exceptions"?

Both "very few exceptions" and "almost no exceptions" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the desired emphasis.

Can "very few exceptions" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "very few exceptions" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to indicate a general rule with limited exceptions. Alternatives like "scarcely any exceptions" can also be suitable for a more formal tone.