There was this one instance when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "There was this one instance when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a specific example or anecdote that illustrates a point or situation. Example: "There was this one instance when I forgot my keys and had to wait outside for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was, however, one instance when liberals outperformed conservatives on the test.

Los Angeles Times

There was only one instance when Capriati lost her rhythm.

The New York Times - Sports

There was only one instance when Lewis Hamilton disappointed in Abu Dhabi as he lost his Formula One world championship to his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.

The Guardian - Sport

However, there is one instance when the elusive magic of theater works full-time, and I feel momentarily entranced and transported.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There was one instance after surgery when I said I'd got really hot and felt as if I'd wet myself.

The Guardian

Baker says that there was one instance in 1994 when relations with North Korea nearly flipped.

Vice

There is only one instance.

University of California, Berkeley

There was at least one instance of art predicting life.

The New York Times - Arts

There was only one known instance after 1923 when the brothers were in direct contact.

The New York Times - Arts

There were only two instances when Usability was related to these cause variables, one for Stroke and one for Heart Disease, and these figures are not included in Table 3.

BMC Family Practice

There are also many instances when people move laterally, i.e. from one provider to another on the same level, due to dissatisfaction about lack of improvement.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "There was this one instance when" to introduce a specific, memorable anecdote. It helps to set the stage for a story or illustrate a point with a concrete example, making your writing more engaging.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences in a short span with "There was this one instance when". This can make your writing sound repetitive. Mix it up by using synonyms or different sentence structures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as an introductory conjunction, specifically to preface a narrative or example. Based on Ludwig AI analysis, it sets the stage for a particular incident.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "There was this one instance when" serves as an introductory phrase to a specific example or anecdote, setting the scene for a narrative. While grammatically sound, the phrase currently lacks sufficient examples to gauge its prevalent usage contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its role as an introductory element, leading to a more detailed account. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "I recall a specific occasion when" to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

There was a unique case when

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the situation, maintaining a similar structure.

I recall a specific occasion when

Replaces "There was this one instance when" with a more formal phrasing, focusing on recollection.

On one particular occasion

Highlights the singularity and specificity of an event, omitting the personal element.

I remember one time that

Uses simpler language to indicate a past event, focusing on personal memory.

There's this time I recall when

Adds a conversational tone to the recall of an event.

I am reminded of a time when

Highlights the act of remembering, often triggered by a present stimulus.

I can think of a situation where

Shifts the focus to thinking about a situation, implying a more thoughtful consideration.

I've got this one memory

Adopts a casual tone to narrate a unique event.

Once, I experienced that

Directly states a personal experience, replacing the introductory phrase.

In a memorable situation

Captures the emotional impact of a particular event.

FAQs

How can I use "There was this one instance when" in a sentence?

Use "There was this one instance when" to introduce a specific example or anecdote that supports your main point. For instance: "There was this one instance when I missed my flight, and I learned the importance of arriving at the airport early."

What can I say instead of "There was this one instance when"?

You can use alternatives like "I recall a specific occasion when", "I remember one time that", or "On one particular occasion" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "There was this one instance when" or "There was one instance when"?

Both "There was this one instance when" and "There was one instance when" are grammatically correct. The inclusion of "this" emphasizes the speaker's focus on a particular, possibly memorable, instance.

What's the difference between "There was this one instance when" and "There was an instance when"?

While both phrases introduce a specific example, "There was this one instance when" implies a more personal or memorable experience. "There was an instance when" is more neutral and less emphatic.