a beautiful instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a beautiful instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific example or occurrence that is particularly lovely or admirable. Example: "The sunset over the mountains was a beautiful instance of nature's artistry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To quote the Reverend William Paley's Natural Theology, regarding a beautiful instance of adaptation: 'A conformation so happy was not the gift of chance'.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Classical tragedy, he said the human "will" was "exhibited as struggling with fate, a great and beautiful instance and illustration of which is the Prometheus of Aeschylus; and the deepest effect is produced, when the fate is represented as a higher and intelligent will".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The gussied-up baby, the record-breaking fish… but outside of a half-dozen randomly beautiful instances throughout the year (never the expected ones), isn't the desire to document distracting from the snippet of time we're so desperate to preserve?

Huffington Post

These are beautiful instances where a joke lands so well that it's still funny in the off-season.

Vice

But perhaps the most beautiful instances were those that defied categorization altogether, forgoing direct allusions for a spiritual sensation.

Huffington Post

The Fort Bokar, often called "Zvjezdan", is considered to be amongst the most beautiful instances of harmonious and functional fortification architecture.

Wikipedia

These early observations have Christian to inform his perspective in this new series, Delfinoected featured below.

Vice

Our cover star, Christian Delfino's, portfolio is chocked full of dizzying urban landscapes and the quiet, beautiful instances that accompany them.

Vice

"I like to drive a few kilometers to a beautiful extra-large instance," he says.

Vice

It can mean us producing a beautiful, scruffy art (for instance, a bar made with cheap wood and plastic mirrors).

The Guardian - Arts

In A Beautiful Mind (2001), for instance, Russell Crowe, playing troubled maths star John Forbes Nash Jr, writes formulae on his dorm window.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a beautiful instance", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the instance 'beautiful'. This could refer to aesthetic appeal, effectiveness, or moral value depending on the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "a beautiful instance" excessively in formal academic or professional writing. While acceptable, it may sometimes sound less precise than alternatives like "a striking example" or "a significant case", which can offer a more nuanced description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a beautiful instance" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific example or occurrence that is considered particularly pleasing or admirable. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

26%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a beautiful instance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a particularly pleasing or admirable example. Ludwig highlights its usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While versatile, it is advisable to consider more precise alternatives like "a striking example" or "a remarkable case" in formal settings for nuanced descriptions. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis, whether it be aesthetic appeal, effectiveness, or moral value. Use the phrase thoughtfully to enhance your writing and clearly convey the admirable nature of the instance you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a striking example

Emphasizes the impressiveness and prominence of the example.

a remarkable case

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy nature of the occurrence.

an exquisite illustration

Focuses on the refined and aesthetically pleasing quality of the example.

a splendid demonstration

Stresses the impressive and clear display of a principle or quality.

a prime example

Indicates that the example is a leading or typical case.

an admirable occurrence

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of the event.

a noteworthy occasion

Emphasizes the significance and memorability of the event.

a memorable event

Focuses on how unforgettable the event is.

an exceptional situation

Indicates that the situation is beyond the norm, unusual.

a significant happening

Highlights the importance and impact of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "a beautiful instance" in a sentence?

You can use "a beautiful instance" to describe an example that is particularly striking or admirable. For example, "The sunset over the ocean was "a beautiful instance" of nature's artistry".

What phrases are similar to "a beautiful instance"?

Alternatives include "a striking example", "a remarkable case", or "an exquisite illustration", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a beautiful instance" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a beautiful instance" might be less suitable for highly formal contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "a significant example" or "a noteworthy case" in academic or professional settings.

What makes an instance "beautiful" in the context of "a beautiful instance"?

The 'beauty' in "a beautiful instance" can refer to aesthetic appeal, effectiveness, moral value, or any other quality that makes the example particularly noteworthy or admirable. The specific context should clarify what aspect of the instance is being highlighted.