a brief instance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief instance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short occurrence or example of something. Example: "During the meeting, there was a brief instance of confusion regarding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sampling as an element of research method leads to sampling in a second sense: in many cases thesis work forms a brief instance of what operational public health action might be.

Africa

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Often these backsides record, as if by sheer happenstance, a couple of seconds of Heschel's mind, a brief instance when a thought, a turn of phrase, caught him amid other actions and was hastily scribbled down.

Duke University

Each image is composed of 10,000 photos of a brief instance.

Vice

Christopher reads an excerpt from his story, "Fact-Checked," and Matthew reads his story "Sweeping Glass". Disclaimer: The stories do both contain brief instances of profanity.

Columbia University

The F.C.C. said that it had filed a motion in the federal appeals court in New York, asking for 60 days to decide again whether the shows, which included brief instances of objectionable language, were indecent.

The New York Times

But this form of publishing is opportunistic at best--yet another iteration of the justification for brief instances of trans-focused cultural production in light of, say, Caitlyn Jenner's media spotlight.

HuffPost

It says: the plywood Millenium Falcon was convincing enough to make me forget – at least for one brief instance – the trudging futility of my life, but that disbelief was suspended when I had to break a tenner just for a burger with salsa on it.

Vice

instance---a fresh instance of class class.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In instances like this, a decent regard for readers with limited time or interest suggests giving them navigation help, a brief summary of those articles, for instance, starting on Page 1.

The New York Times

The tape from radar approach control also captures three brief instances at about the time of the crash in which someone on the frequency appears to click on a microphone, but there are no intelligible words.

The New York Times

The senator left his briefing books behind for a rare instance of mingling with his journalism posse at a Berlin restaurant as he sipped a rare "very dry" martini with olives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief instance of" to precisely denote a short, specific occurrence of something, especially when emphasizing its brevity within a larger context.

Common error

Avoid substituting simpler terms like "moment" or "time" with "a brief instance of" when the simpler word adequately conveys the meaning. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief instance of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a preposition or a complement in a sentence. It introduces a specific, short-lived occurrence or example, emphasizing its limited duration. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

32%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief instance of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a short and specific occurrence or example, as validated by Ludwig. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedia, and academic contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. While not overly common, it serves a precise communicative purpose when describing temporary events or situations. Consider its close alternatives, such as "a short episode of" or "a fleeting moment of", to vary your phrasing. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in place of simpler, more direct expressions. Ludwig confirms its acceptability, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short episode of

Replaces 'instance' with 'episode', emphasizing a contained event within a larger context.

a fleeting moment of

Substitutes 'brief instance' with 'fleeting moment', highlighting the transience of the occurrence.

a quick glimpse of

Uses 'quick glimpse' instead of 'brief instance', suggesting a rapid and partial view.

a momentary occurrence of

Replaces 'brief instance' with 'momentary occurrence', stressing the temporary nature of the event.

a short display of

Emphasizes the observable nature of the event, using 'display' instead of 'instance'.

a passing example of

Highlights the representational aspect, where the instance serves as an example, though transient.

a concise demonstration of

Suggests a clear and succinct showing of something, replacing 'instance' with 'demonstration'.

a temporary manifestation of

Replaces 'instance' with 'manifestation', indicating an outward or perceptible representation.

a small sample of

Emphasizes that the instance is a small part representing a larger whole.

a limited incidence of

Focuses on the occurrence or frequency of something, using 'incidence' to denote the event.

FAQs

How can I use "a brief instance of" in a sentence?

You can use "a brief instance of" to describe a short occurrence or example of something. For example: "During the presentation, there was "a brief instance of" technical difficulties."

What are some alternatives to "a brief instance of"?

Alternatives include "a short episode of", "a fleeting moment of", or "a quick glimpse of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "a brief instance of" compared to "a short time of"?

"A brief instance of" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "a short time of". The choice depends on the context and your desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "a brief instance of" in academic writing?

It is appropriate when you want to precisely describe a short, specific occurrence or example, adding a layer of formality suitable for academic discourse. For instance, "This study revealed "a brief instance of" increased activity in the prefrontal cortex."