On one instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "On one instance" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "In one instance." Example: "In one instance, the team was able to complete the project ahead of schedule."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

On one instance, the groans from the audience were so loud that Brat asked for additional time to speak, and on another interjection, he had to restart his point, beginning once again with Pelosi's name.

Huffington Post

On one instance, a female orangutan placed all the incorrect items in front of her on a piece of cardboard that she had brought with her before entering the testing room.

Animal Cognition

I prefer to judge him, not on one instance, but on his actions.

The New York Times

This study focuses on one instance of this process: medium-term background soil redistribution induced by sheet erosion.

Geoderma

The abstract idea exception focuses on one instance when that bargain is unfair when the invention that is being patented is an idea that is so fundamental and basic that it does more harm to society by granting a patent than the good of making that invention public.

TechCrunch

Cosby often pushed alcohol on her, Tarshis said, and on one instance when the two had been working on material together, she fell unconscious at his bungalow after having a cocktail he made for her.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

On the one instance their caution cracked, though, I spied two of them as they welcomed an old, facially scarred guy into their parlour, suggestively dressed in robes with a hint of nylon on their ankles.

Vice

On the one instance their caution cracked, though, I spied two of them as they welcomed an old, facially scarred guy into their parlor, suggestively dressed in robes with a hint of nylon on their ankles.

Vice

Of note, on the one instance in which map book categorization differed from GPS categorization, the difference was only 28 meters.

American Journal of Epidemiology

The months dragged on, and in one instance, Contreras said Wednesday, he had dreamed that his daughters were with him.

The New York Times - Sports

For years, she collected the busts blond and blue-eyed, in one instance—on eBay, with an idea, since abandoned, that they might find a new home in her sculpture.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using "In one instance" instead of "On one instance" to adhere to standard English grammar. Also, consider using alternatives like "In one case" or "On one occasion" for variety and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "on" when "in" is grammatically correct. Double-check preposition usage with a grammar guide or style manual, especially when referring to specific examples or cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase, though grammatically questionable according to Ludwig AI, functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause by specifying when or under what circumstance an action occurred. It introduces a specific example or occurrence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "On one instance" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable. The preferred alternative is "in one instance". Although it serves to introduce a specific example and can be found in news, media, and scientific contexts, it's best to opt for the grammatically correct version in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "in one case" or "on one occasion" for clarity and adherence to standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In one instance

Preposition change; "in" is grammatically preferred over "on" in this context.

On one occasion

Replaces "instance" with "occasion", implying a specific event.

In one case

Substitutes "instance" with "case", suggesting a specific situation or example.

In a single instance

Adds "single" for emphasis, highlighting the singularity of the occurrence; "in" is preferred over "on".

On one particular occasion

Adds "particular" for a more specific event; although "on" is used, it now modifies "occasion".

For example

Replaces the entire phrase to introduce an illustrative example.

Once

A shorter, more direct way to indicate a single occurrence.

In a situation

Substitutes “instance” with “situation” and changes preposition; highlighting a single circumstance.

Upon one instance

Formal and less common; it's like 'on one instance' but adds a layer of formality with 'upon'.

In that event

Focuses on the result of an event instead of the event itself. Event is still implied and is useful to change the focus.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "On one instance"?

The grammatically preferred version is "In one instance". The preposition "in" is more appropriate in this context.

Are "On one instance" and "In one instance" interchangeable?

While some sources might use "On one instance", it's generally considered non-standard. "In one instance" is the recommended form for formal writing.

What are some alternatives to "On one instance" or "In one instance"?

You can use phrases like "In one case", "On one occasion", or simply "Once" depending on the context.

When is it acceptable to use "On one instance"?

Although not considered standard, you might encounter "On one instance" in informal settings or specific regional dialects. However, "in one instance" is always the safer choice for professional or academic writing.