with only a few exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

'with only a few exceptions' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is generally true, but there are some exceptions. For example: Most students perform well on the test, with only a few exceptions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MRI is safe and comfortable for most people, with only a few exceptions.

Harvard University

With only a few exceptions, most of the female candidates running this year were Democrats.

The Guardian - Opinion

With only a few exceptions, the ordinance has been enforced continuously since the 1920s.

Britannica

And with only a few exceptions, the "Photography Encouraged" policy is here to stay.

The Washington Post

With only a few exceptions, bidding was thin and most often by unidentified telephone bidders.

The New York Times - Arts

But, with only a few exceptions, these replacement tissues are not being implanted in patients.

Nature

On foreign policy, with only a few exceptions, he shares the views of the conservative Sarkozy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most animals on the list are land animals with only a few exceptions.

The Guardian

But Mr Burnside, with only a few exceptions, never allows that to happen.

The Economist

With only a few exceptions, people in the building emerged unscathed.

The New York Times

But it is still largely neglected as a contemporary art medium, with only a few exceptions.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with only a few exceptions" to add precision to generalizations. It acknowledges potential deviations without undermining the overall claim. For instance: "The project was successful, with only a few exceptions where deadlines were missed."

Common error

Avoid using "with only a few exceptions" when the exceptions are numerous or significant. This can mislead the reader. Ensure that the core statement holds true in the vast majority of cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with only a few exceptions" functions as an adverbial modifier, limiting the scope of a statement. It signals that a general statement is largely true but acknowledges specific instances where it does not apply. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

48%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with only a few exceptions" is a versatile phrase used to qualify generalizations, adding precision and nuance to statements across a variety of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage make it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication. The phrase sees frequent use in scientific, news, and academic writings where the accuracy is paramount. By acknowledging the limited number of deviations, writers can enhance their credibility and avoid oversimplification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with limited exceptions

Very close in meaning, replacing 'few' with 'limited'.

almost always

Highlights the high frequency of the primary condition being true.

barring a few cases

Specifically points out that some cases are excluded.

for the most part

Focuses on the majority being true, less emphasis on the existing exceptions.

save for a handful

More informal, suggests only a small number of exceptions.

by and large

Similar to "in general" but indicates a broader overall perspective.

on the whole

Focuses on the entirety of a situation, viewing it collectively.

in general

Simplifies the statement, omitting the nuance of exceptions.

as a rule

Emphasizes that something happens based on a convention or common practice.

typically

Implies common behavior or occurrence but doesn't explicitly mention exceptions.

FAQs

How can I use "with only a few exceptions" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to indicate that something is generally true, but there are some instances where it is not. For example, "Most students passed the exam, "with only a few exceptions"".

What are some alternatives to "with only a few exceptions"?

Alternatives include "for the most part", "in general", or "almost always". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "with few exceptions" or "with only a few exceptions"?

Both are correct, but "with only a few exceptions" adds emphasis to the limited nature of the exceptions. "With few exceptions" is slightly more concise but less emphatic.

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

"With only a few exceptions" implies that the number of exceptions is very small. "With some exceptions" suggests that there are exceptions, but it doesn't specify whether they are few or many. The former is more specific.