was an exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was an exception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone did not follow the usual rules or patterns, serving as a notable case. Example: "In a year of poor sales, the new product launch was an exception that exceeded all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was an exception.

The New York Times

Atletico was an exception.

Independent

America was an exception.

The Economist

She was an exception.

The New Yorker

Morris was an exception.

The New York Times - Arts

Raúl was an exception.

The New Yorker

Today was an exception.

The Economist

Bertie Felstead was an exception.

The Economist

But Dali was an exception.

The New Yorker

But this was an exception.

Independent

But there was an exception.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was an exception" when you want to highlight something that doesn't follow the general rule or pattern you've established. This clearly indicates a deviation and emphasizes its uniqueness.

Common error

Avoid using "was an exception" without clearly establishing the norm from which something deviates. Provide sufficient context so readers understand what the exception is relative to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was an exception" serves as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by indicating it deviated from a general rule or norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable phrase. Examples show it applied to diverse nouns like "America", "Atletico" or "this".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was an exception" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to denote a deviation from an established norm or pattern. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility is demonstrated across diverse domains, most notably in News & Media. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies the standard from which the exception deviates. Alternatives like "was an anomaly" or "was a deviation" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was an anomaly

Indicates a deviation from the common pattern or trend. Replaces 'exception' with a more technical term for irregularity.

was a deviation

Highlights the act of straying from the typical course. Focuses on the departure from an established norm.

was an outlier

Emphasizes that the instance is far removed from the main cluster of data points, suggesting rarity.

was an irregularity

Implies a departure from established rules or procedures, similar to "exception" but more formal.

was a departure from the norm

Explicitly states the deviation from what is considered standard or typical.

stood apart

Emphasizes the distinction and uniqueness of the subject from others. It can be used as an alternative but changes sentence structure.

did not conform

Highlights a lack of adherence to expected standards or behaviors.

proved to be the odd one out

Indicates a divergence from the rest, suggesting uniqueness or distinctiveness.

broke the mold

Implies that the subject defied traditional patterns or expectations.

was the only one

Indicates uniqueness and singularity, but less emphatic than the other choices.

FAQs

How can I use "was an exception" in a sentence?

You can use "was an exception" to point out a deviation from a general trend or rule. For instance, "While most projects failed, this one "was an exception" and exceeded expectations."

What can I say instead of "was an exception"?

Alternatives include "was an anomaly", "was a deviation", or "was an outlier". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was an exception to the rule"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, using just "was an exception" is often sufficient if the context makes it clear what the exception pertains to.

What's the difference between "was an exception" and "was an exemption"?

"Was an exception" indicates something that didn't follow the normal course, while "was an exemption" implies being officially excused from a rule or requirement. An exemption is a permission; an exception is an observation.