At one instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "At one instance" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "At one instance" should be "At one instance" or "At one point." Example: "At one instance during the meeting, I realized we were all on the same page."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At one instance, Disgust takes over when she has to eat broccoli, and at another time Anger causes her to have a temper tantrum and overwhelms her when she has a difficult time adjusting in school.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In at least one instance on the campaign trail so far, Clinton's progressive messaging seemed at risk of speaking too narrowly to the core Democratic voter.

The Guardian

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Vice

So far in this college football season, the Times computer has been made fun of, cussed at and, in at least one instance, agreed with.

The New York Times - Sports

In at least one instance, this focus on the geostrategic reality risks ignoring another reality, that something can be of decisive importance simply because everybody thinks it is.

The New York Times - Books

In at least one instance, a parent identified her own children on ISawYourNanny and fired the caregiver.

The New York Times

She's a one-man woman, but he strays, in at least one instance with a woman who works at the gallery and supports it.

Huffington Post

In keeping with the younger age at onset, 56% of BRCA1 families included at least one instance of bilateral disease, compared to 28% of BRCA2 families.

British Journal of Cancer

Earlier this month, the school admitted in a letter summarizing the findings of an internal investigation that at least 12 former teachers molested, and in at least one instance, raped, students in a pattern dating back to the 1960s.

Vice

In a sample of 24,017 adults with chronic disease who self-identified as being medication persisters, 70% reported at least one instance of unintentional non-adherence, and 34% reported at least one instance of intentional non-adherence in the past six months.

BMC Health Services Research

In at least one instance, Mr. Lussen was a strong voice for more accountability on the part of detectives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "At one instance" in formal writing. Opt for more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "In one instance" or "On one occasion."

Common error

The phrase "At one instance" incorrectly uses the preposition "at" where "in" is more appropriate. Remember that "instance" typically refers to a specific case or occurrence within a broader context, making "in" the better choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "At one instance" attempts to function as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a particular occurrence or moment. However, Ludwig AI indicates that is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "At one instance" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. Ludwig suggests it's better to use "in one instance" or similar alternatives like "on one occasion" or "in one case". While the intent is to specify a particular occurrence, the incorrect preposition undermines its effectiveness. Stick to established phrases to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing. Remember to prefer established and correct forms for better clarity, especially in contexts such as scientific or professional writings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In one instance

Omits the preposition "at", resulting in a more natural and grammatically correct phrase.

On one occasion

Replaces "instance" with "occasion", offering a slightly more formal alternative.

In one case

Substitutes "instance" with "case", providing a simpler and more direct option.

On one occasion

Changes “instance” to “occasion” and removes the preposition “at”.

At one point

Uses "point" instead of "instance", focusing on a specific moment in time.

At a certain moment

Emphasizes a particular moment, adding a slightly more descriptive element.

In a specific situation

Rephrases the idea to focus on a particular set of circumstances.

In a given event

Replaces instance with "event", highlighting a particular occurrence.

Once

Simplifies the phrase to a single word, indicating a single occurrence.

In a situation

Removes "one" to sound more generic and less specific.

FAQs

What's grammatically wrong with "At one instance"?

The preposition "at" is incorrectly used. The correct phrasing is "In one instance". "Instance" describes something happening within a context, so "in" is more appropriate.

What can I say instead of "At one instance"?

You can use alternatives like "in one instance", "on one occasion", or "in one case" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "At one instance" or "In one instance"?

"In one instance" is the correct and more widely accepted phrasing. "At one instance" is considered grammatically incorrect.

Is "At one instance" ever acceptable in writing?

While it might be understood in very informal speech, "At one instance" should be avoided in formal or professional writing. Opt for grammatically sound alternatives such as "in one instance".