with only two exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with only two exceptions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying that something is generally true except for two specific cases. Example: "The policy applies to all employees, with only two exceptions: part-time workers and interns."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

In the last 50 years, the president’s party has lost Congressional seats in the House in every midterm election with only two exceptions.

The Washington Post

With only two exceptions, all the compositions are Mr. Shaw's, and they reflect his assertive but generous personality as a bandleader.

The New York Times - Arts

Although there were some noteworthy appetizers, they are expensive compared with main courses that, with only two exceptions, range from $14.50 to $19.50.

The New York Times

It seems entirely appropriate, therefore, that a symposium honoring him should be issued by a Cleveland publisher, Octavia Press, and that the contributors, with only two exceptions, should be local citizens.

The New York Times - Books

But that Woody Allen, of course, could never have written and directed at least one feature film a year, as he has done, with only two exceptions, since 1966.

The Guardian - Film

The rule has been in place for less that forty years, but, with only two exceptions, has been observed in practice for as long as the prize has been around, and with good reason: that way lies madness.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Most of the women were interested in taking them up, with only three exceptions.

The Guardian

With only four exceptions in the 22 years of the Gallup Poll's annual "most admired" lists, a President has won the top position.

The New York Times

Islam, he points out, has made "permanent conquests in every part of the world into which it has expanded with only three exceptions: Spain, Sicily, and certain parts of the Balkans": three areas where Islamic fanaticism was confronted with opposing fanaticism.

The New York Times - Arts

But with only three exceptions, these top 30 are young men.

Forbes

They discovered that cholera outbreaks always struck in summer, with only three exceptions: spring of 1832, autumn of 1848, and winter of 1853.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with only two exceptions", ensure the exceptions are clearly defined or easily understood from the context. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "with only two exceptions" if the exceptions are not well-defined or are left ambiguous. Always specify the exceptions to maintain clarity and avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with only two exceptions" functions as a qualifier, specifying the limited scope of deviation from a general statement. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It introduces a constraint, acknowledging that a rule or condition applies almost universally, save for a couple of specific instances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with only two exceptions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used qualifier that serves to add precision to a statement by acknowledging specific instances where a general rule does not apply. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, including scientific, news, and formal business settings. While the register is generally neutral, clarity is paramount: explicitly stating the exceptions prevents ambiguity. Alternatives such as "with a couple of exceptions" or "except for a few instances" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Ensure clear articulation of exceptions for enhanced readability and comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a couple of exceptions

Replaces "only two" with "a couple of" maintaining the same meaning and indicating a small number of exceptions.

barring a couple of exceptions

Uses "barring" to introduce the exceptions, indicating that the rule applies unless those exceptions are present.

except for a few instances

Employs "except for" to explicitly exclude the exceptions and uses "a few instances" to quantify them.

save for two cases

Uses "save for" to mean 'except for', focusing on the specific 'cases' that are exceptions.

apart from a couple of instances

Similar to 'except for', but using "apart from" to set aside the exceptions.

with the exception of just two

Rephrases to emphasize that only two specific instances are exceptions.

excluding only two

Directly states that only two are being excluded from the general rule.

but for two exceptions

Uses "but for" to introduce the conditions without which the rule wouldn't hold.

in almost all cases

Emphasizes the generality of the rule by stating that it holds "in almost all cases".

virtually every time

Indicates a high degree of consistency, implying the exceptions are very rare.

FAQs

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

Use "with only two exceptions" to indicate that a statement is generally true except for two specific cases. For example, "All employees are eligible for the bonus, with only two exceptions: interns and temporary staff".

What are some alternatives to saying "with only two exceptions"?

You can use alternatives like "with a couple of exceptions", "except for a few instances", or "save for two cases" depending on the context.

Is it better to explicitly list the exceptions when using "with only two exceptions"?

Yes, explicitly listing the exceptions after using "with only two exceptions" enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations. This makes the statement more precise and understandable.

Can I use "with only two exceptions" in formal writing?

Yes, "with only two exceptions" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to indicate a general rule with specific exceptions and is acceptable in professional and academic contexts.