Basic Details
Word: Exception
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person or thing that does not follow the usual rule or pattern; something left out of a group.
Synonyms: exclusion, oddity
How to Spell Exception
Syllables: ex - cep - tion
Tricky part: Many students drop the c and write exeption, because the x already seems to make the s sound. The ending is tion, not sion.
Watch out for: exeption, exseption, excepsion
Memory tip: Everyone came except Ravi, so Ravi was the exception. Spell except first, then add ion.
Idioms and Phrases
- take exception to: To be offended by something or to object to it. Example: "Grandpa took exception to the loud music at midnight."
- the exception that proves the rule: A rare case that is different and so shows the usual rule is true. Example: "Our bus is always on time; last Monday's delay was the exception that proves the rule."
Usage Examples
Example 1: All the shops were shut on Sunday, with the exception of the chemist.
Example 2: Homework is due on Friday, and the teacher will make no exception.
Example 3: Most birds can fly, but the ostrich is an exception.
Fun Fact
English spelling is full of exceptions: the rule i before e except after c is broken by words such as science, weird and seize.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Choose the incorrectly spelt word:
a) excavate
b) exclusive
c) exclaim
d) exeption
Show answer
d) exeption. Exception needs a c straight after the x, as excavate and exclaim do.
Word Makeup
Choose the suffix that completes the word:
except____
a) tion
b) ian
c) sion
d) ion
Show answer
d) ion. Except already ends in t, so only ion is added.
Mingle-Mangle
Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:
pxicetone
a) exception
b) exemption
c) exertion
d) execution
Show answer
a) exception. Exemption needs an m and execution a u, but these letters hold a c, a p and two e's.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. In which sentence is someone an exception?
a) White is a calm colour.
b) Everyone wore white to the event.
c) Everyone wore white except Anu, who wore red.
d) Anu bought a white kurta.
Show answer
c) Everyone wore white except Anu, who wore red.
2. If you take exception to a remark, you ____.
a) agree with it
b) forget it
c) feel annoyed by it
d) write it down
Show answer
c) feel annoyed by it
