with certain exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

"with certain exceptions" is a correct phrase and is used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a general rule but make exceptions to the rule. Example: "Students are required to complete the homework assigned each day, with certain exceptions such as illness or extenuating circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

With certain exceptions, of course.

The New Yorker

One side was overloaded, and, with certain exceptions, you battered that side.

The New Yorker

With certain exceptions, investment bankers cannot discuss research reports with analysts.

The New York Times

These rich endings seemed appropriate to a meal that was, with certain exceptions, satisfying and memorable.

The New York Times

With certain exceptions, plains have become the sites of major centres of population, industry, commerce, and transportation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act largely prohibits gambling on lands acquired after Oct. 17, 1988, with certain exceptions.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, with certain exceptions, we found most of the chardonnays emphasized citrus and mineral flavors rather than tropical fruit.

The New York Times - Food

All news should – with certain exceptions to which I will return in a moment – be judged on the public's all-encompassing right to know.

The Guardian

(The president announced on Friday that with certain exceptions, the names of visitors to the White House would be posted for all to see).

The New York Times

"This is a settlement for the firms -- with certain exceptions," Mr. Spitzer said at a crowded news conference in the ornate boardroom of the New York Stock Exchange.

The New York Times

Protecting the Adirondacks became state business a century ago, with a constitutional amendment that the lands here, with certain exceptions, remain forever wild.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with certain exceptions", briefly clarify what those exceptions are to avoid ambiguity. For example, "All employees are eligible for benefits, with certain exceptions for part-time staff and temporary workers."

Common error

Avoid using "with certain exceptions" as a vague disclaimer. If you state a rule and add the phrase, be prepared to clarify what specific scenarios don't follow the rule, or the statement may seem incomplete or misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with certain exceptions" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a statement by introducing the possibility of specific deviations from a general rule. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and established expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with certain exceptions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a general statement has specific limitations. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and demonstrates its usage across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, it's best practice to clarify the exceptions whenever possible to avoid ambiguity. Remember, as pointed out in the writing guidance, vague use without specifying exceptions is a common error. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "with certain exceptions" to add nuance and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to some exceptions

Emphasizes the idea that the statement is not universally applicable and may have specific instances where it doesn't hold true.

save in certain cases

Highlights particular situations that are excluded from the rule.

except under specific circumstances

Focuses on the conditional aspect, stressing that exceptions are tied to particular situations.

barring a few exceptions

Indicates that only a small number of exceptions exist to the stated rule.

with some limitations

Specifies that the validity of the statement is restricted or constrained in certain aspects.

aside from select instances

Highlights that the statement is generally true except for a limited set of examples.

except for a few caveats

Introduces the idea of specific warnings or conditions that need to be considered.

excluding certain conditions

Directly omits particular situations from the application of the rule.

outside of specific parameters

Indicates the rule only applies if certain pre-set parameters are respected.

with particular reservations

Emphasizes that while the statement holds true, there are specific doubts or hesitations that need to be addressed.

FAQs

How can I use "with certain exceptions" in a sentence?

Use "with certain exceptions" to indicate that a general statement is true except for specific cases. For example, "All sales are final, with certain exceptions for damaged goods or incorrect orders."

What's an alternative to using "with certain exceptions"?

Alternatives include "subject to some exceptions", "except under specific circumstances", or "barring a few exceptions" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to list the exceptions instead of saying "with certain exceptions"?

Listing the specific exceptions provides more clarity and is often preferable. However, if the list is extensive, using "with certain exceptions" followed by a summary or a link to a detailed explanation can be more efficient.

What's the difference between "with certain exceptions" and "with a few exceptions"?

"With certain exceptions" suggests that the exceptions are well-defined and potentially significant, while "with a few exceptions" implies that the exceptions are minor and limited in scope. The choice depends on the nature and importance of the exceptions.