What is exception? Pronunciation and usage in English

exception means . Learn how to pronounce and use exception through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of exception

exceptionnoun

/ɪkˈsɛpʃn//ɛkˈsɛpʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of exception

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "exception" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • Ex-: Pronounced like "eks" – like the beginning of "exist."
  • cep-: This is the trickiest part. It's a combination of sounds:
    • “s”: A very quick, almost silent "s" sound. It’s meant to blend into the next sound.
    • “ep-“: Pronounced like "ep" as in "apple."
  • -tion: Pronounced like "shun" – rhymes with "sun."

2. Putting it Together (with emphasis):

The best way to say it is to slightly emphasize the "eks" part, and then smoothly blend into the "s-ep-shun" part. Here's a breakdown of the stress:

  • ek-SEP-shun

3. A phonetic guide (using symbols):

  • /eks-SEP-shuhn/

4. Listen to examples:

  • Google it: Seriously, type "how to pronounce exception" into Google and listen to the audio pronunciations. Hearing it is extremely helpful.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/exception/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't say "sep-shun" distinctly: The "s" should be almost like an extension of the "ep" sound. It's not a separate syllable.
  • Speed is key: The pronunciation is quite quick. Don't drag it out.
  • Practice: Say it repeatedly, focusing on the blending of the sounds.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you a few more example words with similar sounds to practice?
  • Write out a slow, step-by-step breakdown of how to form the word?

Usage and examples with the word exception in English

Let's break down how to use the word "exception" in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning, and it's important to understand it correctly.

1. Core Meaning: An Exception is an Unusual Thing

At its most basic, an "exception" is something that deviates from the general rule or norm. It’s an unusual occurrence or circumstance. Think of it as a tiny bit of surprise within a larger pattern.

2. Common Uses & Examples

  • As a Noun (the most common use):

    • "There’s an exception to every rule." (This is a very common proverb – it highlights that rules aren't always absolute.)
    • "He’s an exception to the rule about students not being allowed to use their phones in class." (He's different; he's allowed because of something specific.)
    • "I made an exception to my diet today." (I broke the rule for one day.)
    • "The exception in the data set was a single outlier." (One data point that didn’t fit the overall pattern.)
    • "She handled the crisis with remarkable composure, an exception to her usual nervousness." (She was normally nervous, but handled it well.)

  • As a Verb (less common, but important):

    • "The judge made an exception to the standard sentencing guidelines." (The judge deviated from the usual procedure.)
    • "I’m going to make an exception for you this time." (I'm going to bend the rule for you.)

3. Key Points & Nuances

  • It's about a rule: An exception always relates to a pre-existing rule, law, standard, or expectation. It wasn't there to begin with.
  • Limited Scope: Exceptions are typically specific and limited in their application. They don’t erase the rule entirely.
  • Context is Crucial: The meaning can shift slightly depending on the context.

4. Related Words & Phrases

  • Exception to a rule: This is the standard phrasing.
  • Rule exception: Also common.
  • Deviations: A more general term for things that are different from the norm.
  • Counterexample: Similar to an exception – a specific case that disproves a general statement.

5. Examples Showing Different Contexts

  • Legal: "There's an exception to the rule about hearsay evidence in a criminal trial – it can be admitted if it's demonstrably reliable."
  • Mathematics: "The exception to the power rule in calculus is when the function is negative."
  • Sports: "He made an exception to the team’s strict formation by running a play from a different angle."
  • Social: “She made an exception and let him borrow her car, despite her usual cautiousness.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "exception" in? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, a specific subject area like law or math?)

Synonyms for the word exception

Idioms of the word exception

the exception that proves the rule
(saying)people say that something is the exception that proves the rule when they are stating something that seems to be different from the normal situation, but they mean that the normal situation remains true in general
  • Most electronics companies have not done well this year, but ours is the exception that proves the rule.
make an exception
to allow somebody not to follow the usual rule on one occasion or for one particular reason
  • Children are not usually allowed in, but I'm prepared to make an exception in this case.
  • No parking is allowed, but an exception is made for disabled drivers.
  • We are making a special exception for Emma because of her condition.
take exception to something
to object strongly to something; to be angry about something
  • I take great exception to the fact that you told my wife before you told me.
  • No one could possibly take exception to his comments.
with the exception of somebody/something
except; not including
  • All his novels are set in Italy with the exception of his last.
  • The whole of the island was flooded with the exception of a small area in the north.
without exception
used to emphasize that the statement you are making is always true and everyone or everything is included
  • All students without exception must take the English examination.
  • Without exception, all employees must carry their identity card with them at all times.

Practice with vocabulary exception

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new policy applies to all employees, with the only _____ being those on long-term leave.
  2. It's an _____ to the rule; typically, we don't allow late submissions.
  3. His professional demeanor is a notable _____ among his less formal colleagues.
  4. We need to make an _____ for this project to ensure its success, even if it means extra resources.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The company's consistent growth record is almost without _____, even during economic downturns. a) exclusion b) anomaly c) exception d) deviation

  2. Which of the following words can describe something that differs from a general rule or standard? (Select all that apply) a) variance b) exception c) peculiarity d) standard

  3. All deliverables must be submitted by Friday, _____. a) no exemption b) with no exception c) unless exempted d) without exception

  4. Her willingness to collaborate on difficult tasks is a positive _____ for the team. a) distinction b) difference c) variation d) attribute

  5. The scientist noted a significant _____ in the experimental results compared to the theoretical predictions. a) exclusion b) divergence c) concession d) regularity

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Everyone in the department must attend the mandatory training session; there will be no one excused. (Rewrite using "exception" or a related word form.)

  2. This year's budget proposal is unusual because it proposes a significant increase in marketing funds, unlike previous years. (Rewrite using "exception" or a related word form.)

  3. The committee decided to permit a special condition for the elderly residents to pay their fees later. (Rewrite without using "exception" but with a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. exception
  2. exception
  3. distinction
  4. allowance

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) exception
  2. a) variance, b) exception, c) peculiarity
  3. b) with no exception, d) without exception
  4. d) attribute
  5. b) divergence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. There will be no exceptions to the mandatory training session for anyone in the department.
  2. This year's budget proposal is an exception due to its significant increase in marketing funds, which differs from previous years.
  3. The committee decided to grant a special concession to the elderly residents for later fee payment.

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