exception

exceptionnoun

American /ɪk.ˈsɛp.ʃən/ British /ɪk.ˈsɛp.ʃən/ Stress falls on the middle part: ik-SEP-shun.

plural exceptions

fairly common

a case that does not follow the general rule or pattern
countable [C]
- There is always an exception to the rule.
- Most stores are closed on Sunday, but this shop is an exception.
- With a few exceptions, the students all passed the test.
- The manager made an exception and let them in early.
Collocations
verb + noun make an exception, be an exception, allow an exception
adjective + noun a rare exception, a notable exception, a few exceptions
noun + preposition exception to

Phrases

with the exception of someone or something formal

not including someone or something

The whole family came, with the exception of Sam, who was sick.
All the rooms, with the exception of the kitchen, have been painted.

without exception formal

in every single case

All visitors, without exception, must sign in at the desk.
The rules apply to everyone without exception.

take exception to something formal

be angry or upset about something someone says or does

He took exception to being called lazy.
She took exception to the way the report described her work.

Word family

except
exceptional

Usage

With the exception of is more formal than except for, though they overlap closely in meaning. Without exception stresses that a rule applies to every single case, with no exceptions allowed.

Common mistakes

She is exception to the rule. She is an exception to the rule.
exception is countable and needs an article: an exception.

For translators

Grammar trap Exception is countable and needs an article in the singular: an exception, not exception. The phrase with the exception of is followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a clause.