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Grammar fix

a notable exception

significant exception

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.

collocationC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

Pattern: a notable exception (to something)

WrongWith the notable exception for John, everyone agreed.

RightWith the notable exception of John, everyone agreed.

'The exception OF [someone]', not 'for'.

Patterna notable exception (to something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff One conspicuous deviation from this pattern merits particular mention.

Natural There's one notable exception.

'Conspicuous deviation... merits mention' is essay padding for a simple idea.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a notable exception
    with theoneisof

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.

Try it in Daily Speak →