- Do you ever hesitate when trying to say “except for” or “besides”?
- Are you unsure whether to “make an exception” or “do an exception”?
- Do you want to sound more natural and fluent when talking about things that don’t fit the usual pattern?
Understanding English collocations is a game-changer for fluency. Collocations are simply words that frequently go together, and mastering them makes your English sound natural and sophisticated, helping you avoid awkward phrasing and express yourself with greater precision. Let’s dive into the common, modern ways to use the word “exception” with other words.
Essential Collocations using EXCEPTION as a Noun
The word “exception” functions primarily as a noun, referring to something that is not included in a general rule, group, or class. Its collocations showcase how we talk about deviations from the norm.
Verbs that Combine with “Exception”
These verbs describe actions related to creating, acknowledging, or encountering an exception.
- Make an exception: To allow someone or something to be treated differently from the usual rule.
Example: “The university decided to make an exception for her late application due to her extraordinary circumstances.”
- Take exception to (something): To object strongly to something; to be offended or annoyed by it.
Example: “He took exception to the journalist’s misleading statements about his work.”
- Allow/Grant an exception: To officially permit a deviation from a rule or standard.
Example: “The committee decided to grant an exception for the building’s height due to its unique architectural design.”
- Prove the exception: To show oneself to be different from the general rule or group.
Example: “Most new businesses fail, but their startup seems to prove the exception, thriving despite the tough market.”
- Form an exception: To constitute a case that deviates from a general rule. (Less common than ‘be’ or ‘make’ an exception)
Example: “Her outstanding achievement did form an exception to the team’s otherwise average performance.”
Adjectives that Describe “Exception”
These adjectives specify the nature or type of the exception.
- Rare exception: An uncommon instance of something not following a rule.
Example: “Finding a perfect antique at that price is a rare exception, not the norm.”
- Notable/Remarkable exception: An exception that is particularly significant or stands out.
Example: “The team’s success was largely due to his brilliant leadership, a notable exception in an otherwise difficult season.”
- Only exception: The single instance of something not conforming.
Example: “Everyone attended the meeting; Sarah was the only exception.”
- General exception: A broad waiver or deviation from a rule. (Often used in legal or formal contexts)
Example: “The new policy includes a general exception for small businesses.”
- Special exception: An exception made for a particular, specific reason.
Example: “The judge made a special exception for the defendant to appear via video conference.”
Prepositional Phrases with “Exception”
These phrases are crucial for expressing exclusion or universality.
- With the exception of (someone/something): Excluding; apart from.
Example: “With the exception of the final chapter, the book was exceptionally well-written.”
- Without exception: In every case; always.
Example: “Every student, without exception, passed the demanding final exam.”
- No exception: Used to emphasize that a rule applies to everyone or everything, without exclusion.
Example: “Smoking is prohibited on campus, and there is no exception for staff members.”
- By way of exception: As an unusual or special case. (More formal)
Example: “By way of exception, visitors will be allowed to enter after hours today.”
Idiomatic Phrases with “Exception”
- The exception that proves the rule: An apparent exception that actually confirms a general rule because it highlights the unusual nature of the exception itself.
Example: “He’s a very quiet person, but he was incredibly talkative last night. I guess he’s the exception that proves the rule.”
- (Be) the rule rather than the exception: To be typical or common, not unusual.
Example: “In their company, working overtime is the rule rather than the exception during busy periods.”
Master Summary Table: Key Exception Collocations
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| make an exception | Verb + Noun | allow a deviation from a rule |
| take exception to | Verb + Noun + Prep | object strongly to something |
| with the exception of | Prepositional Phrase | excluding; apart from |
| without exception | Prepositional Phrase | always; in every case |
| rare exception | Adjective + Noun | an uncommon deviation |
| notable exception | Adjective + Noun | a significant or remarkable deviation |
| no exception | Determiner + Noun | no exclusion; applies to all |
| the exception that proves the rule | Idiomatic Phrase | an exception that highlights the rule’s generality |
| the rule rather than the exception | Idiomatic Phrase | typical or common |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Avoiding direct translation will significantly improve your fluency. Pay attention to these common pitfalls:
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Do an exception | Make an exception |
| Except of John, everyone came. | With the exception of John, everyone came. |
| There is no exception for anybody. | There is no exception. / It applies to everyone, without exception. |
| He received a special allowance. | He was granted a special exception. |
| I disagree strongly to his comment. | I take exception to his comment. |
“Good morning Team, I’m writing to discuss the updated holiday policy. While we generally require all leave requests to be submitted four weeks in advance, we understand that unexpected situations arise. For truly urgent cases, we are prepared to make an exception, but this should be considered a rare exception, not the norm. Remember, with the exception of urgent medical emergencies, all standard rules apply. John’s project submission was late, but his innovative approach did prove the exception, leading to its acceptance. We aim for fairness, ensuring everyone, without exception, understands and adheres to these guidelines. I trust there will be no exception to this understanding.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Exception Collocations
What is the difference between “except” and “exception”?
While related in meaning, “except” is typically a preposition or conjunction used to mean “not including” (e.g., “Everyone came except Mark”), whereas “exception” is a noun referring to the thing that is excluded or deviates from a rule. “Exception” is often used in more formal or structured phrases like “with the exception of” or “make an exception.”
When should I use “make an exception” versus “take exception to”?
You “make an exception” when you allow something or someone to be treated differently from a general rule (e.g., “The teacher made an exception for her late homework”). You “take exception to” something when you object strongly to it or are offended by it (e.g., “She took exception to his disrespectful comments”).
Can “exception” be used as a verb?
No, “exception” itself is a noun and cannot be used as a verb in modern English. However, verbs combine with “exception” to form collocations, such as “make an exception,” “allow an exception,” or “take exception to.”
What preposition usually follows “exception” when excluding something?
When excluding something, the most common prepositional phrase is “with the exception of.” For example, “Everyone passed the test, with the exception of Tom.”
What does “the exception that proves the rule” mean?
This idiom refers to a specific instance that seems to contradict a general rule but actually highlights how unusual that instance is, thereby reinforcing the rule’s general validity. For example, if a company is usually very strict about dress code, a manager coming in casual wear might be “the exception that proves the rule” because it draws attention to how rarely it happens.
Great resource! I often find students struggle with fixed expressions, and focusing on collocations like these is such a practical approach. Any plans for similar articles on other tricky words?
Thank you for the kind words, David! We completely agree – collocations are invaluable for building fluency. We certainly do have plans for similar articles! We're always working on new content to help learners master natural English usage. Is there a particular word or concept you and your students find challenging? Your feedback helps us shape future topics!
How do you pronounce "exception"? Is the stress on the "cep" part? I always worry about mispronouncing words like this.
How frequently would one encounter "take exception to" in everyday spoken English compared to, say, a formal written context?
Excellent observation, Pavel! 'Take exception to' is more commonly found in formal written English, such as reports, academic papers, or official statements. While you might hear it in spoken English, especially in more formal discussions or debates, it's less frequent in casual everyday conversations. In daily speech, people might opt for simpler phrases like 'I object to,' 'I disagree with,' or 'I was offended by.'
Aha! So that's why "do an exception" sounds so wrong! I've probably used it before without realizing. This article has definitely saved me from future awkward phrasing.
When using "exception" as part of a longer phrase, like "with the exception of," what's the typical grammatical structure that follows? A noun, a gerund, or something else?
That's a very precise grammatical question, Carlos! Typically, 'with the exception of' is followed by a noun or a pronoun. For example: 'All students passed, with the exception of John.' or 'Everyone was invited, with the exception of him.' While less common, it *can* sometimes be followed by a gerund, as in 'They allowed everything, with the exception of gambling.' But generally, noun/pronoun is the most frequent and safest choice.
Thank you for this! My English is improving little by little, and articles like this make a huge difference!
I've also come across "the exception proves the rule." Is this a common idiom, and how does it relate to the collocations discussed here? It seems a bit counter-intuitive.
That's an excellent point, Wei! 'The exception proves the rule' is indeed a common idiom. It can seem counter-intuitive because 'prove' here means 'test' or 'confirm,' not 'demonstrate.' The idea is that an exception, by existing, highlights the general rule. For example, if a sign says 'No parking on Sundays, with the exception of residents,' the very existence of the exception for residents confirms that, for everyone else, the 'no parking' rule applies strongly. It highlights the rule by marking out its boundaries, rather than disproving it.
Could you perhaps give a few more examples for "take exception to"? I'm still trying to get the feel for how strongly it implies disagreement or offense.
Absolutely, Olivia! 'Take exception to' implies a strong objection, often with a feeling of being offended or annoyed. Here are a couple more examples: 'The manager took exception to the employee's rude comment during the meeting.' or 'She took exception to the insinuation that she wasn't dedicated to her work.' It generally suggests a deeper personal reaction than simply 'objecting'.
In Arabic, we might say something like "excluding this case." It's interesting how English uses a verb like "make" with "exception." This really highlights how important collocations are!
Thank you for sharing that linguistic insight, Ahmed! It's fascinating to see how different languages express similar ideas. Your observation perfectly illustrates why mastering collocations is crucial – they often don't translate directly word-for-word and are key to sounding natural. Keep exploring these connections!
What about "with the exception of"? Is that always interchangeable with "except for"? I often hear both, and I'm not sure if there's a subtle difference.
That's a very insightful question, Yuki! While often interchangeable, 'with the exception of' tends to be slightly more formal than 'except for.' For instance, you might use 'with the exception of' in academic writing or a formal speech, whereas 'except for' is more common in everyday conversation. Both are grammatically correct, so the choice often comes down to context and desired tone!