a notable exception — significant exception
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
a person or thing that is clearly different from others in an important or remarkable way, especially when most things follow a pattern but this one stands out.
Say it like a native
Textbook One conspicuous deviation from this pattern merits particular mention.
Native There's one notable exception.
'Conspicuous deviation... merits mention' is essay padding for a simple idea.
Pattern: a notable exception (to something)
In use
- Most of the students handed in their assignments on time, but Jake was a notable exception.daily life
- While many cities struggle with air pollution, Copenhagen is a notable exception due to its focus on cycling and green spaces.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ With the notable exception for John, everyone agreed.
✓ With the notable exception of John, everyone agreed.
'The exception OF [someone]', not 'for'.
Common collocations
a notable exception— with the, one, is, of
Don't confuse it
Unlike just 'an exception', which can refer to any case that doesn't fit the rule, 'a notable exception' emphasizes that the exception is especially important or worth mentioning.