with rare exceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with rare exceptions" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to mean that something is generally true, but there may be a few exceptions. For example, "Most kids like ice cream, with rare exceptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With rare exceptions..

Cornell University

With rare exceptions, that didn't happen.

The Economist

With rare exceptions, journalists were complicit.

The New York Times

They are not decadent, with rare exceptions.

The New York Times

"Ultimately, all of those people are caught, with rare exceptions".

The New York Times

In college, with rare exceptions, I didn't drive.

The New York Times

With rare exceptions, he turns down offers of overt sponsorship.

The New Yorker

With rare exceptions, human experience is lived in community.

The New York Times - Books

But in fact Morgan, with rare exceptions, hit third.

The New York Times

For they are - with rare exceptions - specialists in small changes.

The New York Times - Magazine

MPs have, with rare exceptions, been the poodle's poodles.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with rare exceptions", ensure that the exceptions are genuinely rare. Overusing the phrase can weaken the impact of your statement and make it seem less reliable.

Common error

Avoid using "with rare exceptions" in every other sentence. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and hesitant. Instead, vary your language and use other qualifying phrases when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with rare exceptions" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a statement, indicating that it is generally true but not universally so. As Ludwig AI states, it acknowledges the existence of infrequent deviations from a general rule. It provides a degree of precision, allowing for nuanced communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with rare exceptions" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to qualify statements, indicating that they are generally true while acknowledging the existence of infrequent deviations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for various contexts. Its frequent use in news and media, as well as academic writing, highlights its utility in precise communication. When using this phrase, ensure the exceptions are indeed rare to maintain the statement's validity. Alternatives such as "almost always" or "in most cases" can be used for stylistic variation. Overusing this term can make your writing sound repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with few exceptions

A very close synonym, varying only in the adjective used to describe the exceptions.

apart from a few exceptions

Similar to "save for some exceptions", but with a slightly different phrasing.

for the most part

Emphasizes the majority, subtly suggesting deviations are possible.

save for some exceptions

Directly addresses the existence of exceptions while maintaining a general rule.

in most cases

Highlights the typical scenario, implying exceptions exist without directly stating them.

as a rule

Presents a standard practice, implying deviations are infrequent.

typically

Indicates a usual occurrence, leaving room for occasional differences.

generally speaking

Introduces a broad statement, allowing for specific instances to vary.

by and large

Conveys a sense of overall truth, acknowledging minor exceptions.

almost always

Focuses on the high probability rather than explicitly acknowledging exceptions.

FAQs

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

You can use "with rare exceptions" to indicate that something is generally true, but there are a few uncommon instances where it might not apply. For example, "Most students attend class regularly, with rare exceptions".

What phrases are similar to "with rare exceptions"?

Alternatives include "almost always", "in most cases", or "for the most part", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "with rare exceptions"?

No, it's not necessarily redundant. It serves to acknowledge that while a statement is generally true, there are some uncommon instances where it does not hold. This adds precision to your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "with rare exceptions" versus "with no exceptions"?

"With rare exceptions" is appropriate when there are indeed a few exceptions to a general rule. "With no exceptions" is used when something is universally true and there are absolutely no deviations.