were not exempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"were not exempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something did not have an exception. Example: Everyone who applied for the job, even those with no experience, were not exempt from the interview process.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Players were not exempt either.

The New York Times

In January, the commissioner ruled that students at the charter and alternative schools were not exempt.

The New York Times

"The downward trend came late to Pound Ridge," Ms. Marwell said, "but we were not exempt.

The New York Times

A T.S.A. spokesman said that diplomats were not exempt from searches, and that bulky clothing could prompt a pat-down.

The New York Times

Darwin understood that populations that made appropriate and successful adaptations survived and that those that didn't perished, and that agricultural crops were not exempt.

The Guardian - Opinion

(The guidance was "clarified" in 2011 to suggest that significant marijuana businesses even in states where it was legal were not exempt from criminal scrutiny).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Audience members weren't exempt from Ms. Stone's cajoling.

The New York Times - Arts

Read the exemption claim to ensure you are not exempt.

WikiHow

People are not exempt.

The New Yorker

His students are not exempt.

The New York Times

But men are not exempt.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were not exempt", ensure the context clearly identifies what the subject is not being excused from. Provide specific details for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "were not exempt" automatically implies a negative outcome. Clearly state the consequences or obligations they faced as a result of not being exempt. For example, instead of just stating "They were not exempt", specify "They were not exempt from paying taxes and had to file their returns."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were not exempt" functions as a predicate adjective, indicating a state of not being excused or excluded from something. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various subjects, showing that certain entities or individuals did not receive special privileges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were not exempt" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something or someone was not excused from a particular rule or obligation. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse sources, mainly in news and media, showcasing its widespread use in formal and neutral contexts. Alternatives like "did not receive an exemption" or "were subject to" can be used interchangeably. According to Ludwig, the phrase is generally used to clarify the scope and applicability of a regulation or requirement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not receive an exemption

Replaces the phrase with a more direct statement about the absence of an exemption.

were not excused

Uses a synonym for "exempt", focusing on the idea of being excused from a duty or obligation.

did not have immunity

Emphasizes the lack of protection from a rule or consequence.

were not excluded

Focuses on the lack of exclusion from a group or regulation.

were not immune

Similar to "did not have immunity", stressing the absence of protection.

were subject to

Indicates that the individuals or items were under the control or influence of a rule or condition.

were liable

Highlights the responsibility or obligation to comply with something.

were not released from

Focuses on the absence of a release from a particular obligation.

were bound by

Implies a strong obligation or constraint.

had to adhere to

Stresses the necessity of following a rule or guideline.

FAQs

How can I use "were not exempt" in a sentence?

Use "were not exempt" to indicate that someone or something did not receive special treatment or exclusion from a rule, obligation, or requirement. For instance, "Even senior employees "were not exempt" from the new training program".

What does "were not exempt" mean?

It means that individuals or entities did not receive an exception or exclusion from a particular rule, law, duty, or obligation. They were therefore required to comply with it.

What are some alternatives to "were not exempt"?

Alternatives include "did not receive an exemption", "were not excused", or "were subject to", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "were not exempt" or "did not have an exemption"?

Both "were not exempt" and "did not have an exemption" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on stylistic preference and the specific context. "Were not exempt" may sound more formal.