with one exception

USAGE SUMMARY

'with one exception' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a group of people or things and want to emphasize that one of them is different from the rest. For example, you could say "These tasks were completed quickly and efficiently, with one exception".

✓ Grammatically correct

Arthritis Research and Therapy

The New York Times - Arts

The New Yorker

The New York Times

The New York Times - Tech

The New York Times - Books

The New York Times - Health

The Guardian - Music

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MRI erosions persisted on subsequent studies with one exception.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

With one exception: Violetta.

The New York Times - Arts

With one exception — me".

The New Yorker

A Yes, with one exception.

The New York Times

With one exception the scenes are watercolors.

The New York Times

With one exception, everything we tasted satisfied.

The New York Times

With one exception: the curtain call.

The Guardian

And he was not a quitter, apparently with one exception.

The New York Times

SERVICE -- With one exception, the staff is accommodating and attentive.

The New York Times

With one exception, the creators of "The Passenger" are gone.

The New Yorker

Her silk suit was similarly soignée -- with one exception.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with one exception", ensure the exception is clearly defined immediately afterward. This helps maintain the reader's understanding and avoids confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "with one exception" without explicitly stating what the exception is. This can leave the reader confused and unsure of what you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with one exception" functions as a qualifier or adverbial phrase. It serves to introduce a caveat or deviation from a general statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. This phrase alters the scope of a previous statement, highlighting a specific instance where it does not apply.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with one exception" is a versatile qualifier used to denote a singular deviation from a general pattern or rule. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media and scientific writing, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the exception is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "except in one case" and "aside from one instance" offer similar nuances, which means you can vary your writing style to avoid repetitions. By being mindful of these tips, you can effectively use "with one exception" to add precision and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apart from one exception

Uses "apart from" which is another way to say with the exception of.

save for one instance

Replaces "exception" with "instance", focusing on a specific occurrence.

except in one case

Substitutes "exception" with "case", emphasizing a particular situation where the rule doesn't apply.

barring one occasion

Uses "barring" to indicate exclusion, specifying a single occurrence.

aside from one instance

Similar to "save for", but uses "aside from" for a slightly different nuance.

with a single exclusion

Replaces "exception" with "exclusion", highlighting the act of omitting something.

excluding one particular

Emphasizes the exclusion of a specific item or detail.

but for one instance

Uses "but for" to indicate that something would be completely true if not for one detail.

with the rare exception of

Adds emphasis on the infrequency of the exception.

on one particular occasion

This phrase is used to express the fact that there is one occasion in which the statement is not entirely true.

FAQs

How can I use "with one exception" in a sentence?

Use "with one exception" to introduce a deviation from a general statement or pattern. For example, "All the students passed the exam, "with one exception", John."

What phrases are similar to "with one exception"?

Similar phrases include "except for one case", "aside from one instance", and "save for one occasion". These phrases highlight a single deviation from a norm.

Is it better to use "with one exception" or "except for one"?

"With one exception" and "except for one" are largely interchangeable, but "with one exception" often carries a slightly more formal tone. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "with one exception" and "generally"?

"Generally" indicates a broad trend or pattern, while "with one exception" explicitly acknowledges a specific deviation from an otherwise consistent pattern. The former implies a tendency, while the latter points out a specific case that doesn't fit the rule.