The only exception being vs The only exception is

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The only exception being' is used when introducing a clause that explains the exception, while 'the only exception is' is used to directly state the exception. They are not interchangeable.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 3423 views

The only exception being

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce a clause that explains the exception.

This phrase is used to introduce a clause that explains the exception being discussed.

Examples:

All the items are on sale, the only exception being the new collection.
Everyone was invited to the party, the only exception being John.
The rule applies to all students, the only exception being those in the advanced class.

Show examples from the web [+]

These rates increased steadily between January and November 2006, with the only exception being the period between mid-May and the end of June 2006 (see Chart 11).
Over the last 10 years, there has been a decline of up to 30% in such crops, the only exception being soya, where the decline has only been 12%.
Iraqi forces have prevented any commodity or even fuel from entering Ashraf, the only exception being food.
Bearing in mind the importance of credit ratings, it seems advantageous not to limit the regulation to regulatory purposes and to lay down general rules for all issuing of credit ratings with the only exception being the exclusions explicitly stated in the regulation.
Indeed, according to the replies to the questionnaires sent out by the Commission concerning the review of the common fisheries policy, the sector itself does not support the need for regionalisation, the only exception being the United Kingdom.

Alternatives:

with the only exception being
except for
apart from

The only exception is

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to directly state the exception without introducing a clause.

This phrase is used to directly state the exception without further explanation.

Examples:

Everyone passed the test, the only exception is Sarah.
The store accepts all major credit cards, the only exception is American Express.
The dress code is casual, the only exception is for special events.

Show examples from the web [+]

The only exception is my bike.
The only exception is for serious health reasons.
The only exception is the capital injection for investment in the digitalisation of TV2's production equipment.
The only exception is where a whole sector does not exist in which case no data need to be provided for this sector (i.e. central government series).
The only exception is the proposed guarantee of the broadcasting network sale, which will not materialise since this sale has already taken place and is therefore no longer relevant to the case.
The only exception is the automobile sector, as long as this sector remains covered by a specific block exemption such as that granted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1475/95.
The only exception is arms and ammunition (Chapter 93 of the Harmonised System), for which most-favoured nation duties will continue to apply.
The only exception is the naked Somalian mole-rat, which never puts its nose above the surface of the ground.
The only exception is sub-Saharan Africa, where life expectancy is lower than it was 30 years ago; it has dropped by 20 years in Botswana and 13 in Zambia.
The only exception is the interest earned on STABEX security accounts which is allocated to the 8th EDF.
The only exception is FDI flows from the rest of the world, where inflows are used as recorded by the target.
The only exception is FDI flows from the rest of the world, where inflows are used as recorded by the target.
The only exception is for certain activities which as a rule fall within the exercise of public powers and so cannot be considered economic activities.
The only exception is agriculture and fisheries policy, both in legislation and budgetary policy, and this will need to be revised in the next round, so as to achieve parity in this area.
Israel participates in the Sixth Framework programme as a partner with the same rights and obligations as EU Member States: the only exception is the Scientific and Technical Research Committee (CREST) in which it is only an observer.
It participates in the programme as a partner with the same rights and obligations as EU Member States: the only exception is the Scientific and Technical Research Committee (CREST), in which it is only an observer.
Beyond that, the sale contract contains no deal-specific sale conditions. The only exception is an indemnity clause concerning [certain circumstances] with financial repercussions to a maximum of EUR [...] billion.
The only exception is where such parts or systems are identified as having a load limiting function in the manufacturer's technical description, as defined in paragraph 3.2.1. of this Regulation, and they comply with the following criteria:
Absolutely. The only exception is if you have to eject. Eject?
Israel participates in the Sixth Framework programme as a partner with the same rights and obligations as EU Member States: the only exception is the Scientific and Technical Research Committee (CREST) in which it is only an observer.

Alternatives:

the only exception lies in
the sole exception is
the exception is only

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The only exception being vs The only exception is