a classic instance of this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a classic instance of this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a well-known example that illustrates a particular point or concept. Example: "The sudden market crash in 1929 is a classic instance of this, demonstrating the dangers of speculative investments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Chrysler's fortunes in the Great Depression are a classic instance of this.

The New Yorker

The conventional account of the nineteen-sixties has become a classic instance of this type of confusion.

The New Yorker

A classic instance of this technique is the scene between the clown Peter and the household musicians in Romeo and Juliet (Act IV, scene 5).

Encyclopedia Britannica

A classic instance of this is the assertion, to become a cornerstone of logical empiricism, that relativity theory had shown the untenability of any "philosophy of the synthetic a priori", despite the fact that early works on relativity theory by both Reichenbach and Carnap were written from within that broad perspective.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Technically speaking, a big challenge in this area of research was to deal with a classic instance of the so-called simultaneity problem: incarceration rates affect crime rates, but the converse is also true.

The Economist

Greenberg's essay is a classic instance of the perils of us-versus-them argument.

The New Yorker

Their victories are a classic instance of the maxim that politics are local.

The New York Times

Arsenic provides a classic instance of the virtually permanent poisoning of the soil.

The New Yorker

The book she was working on, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, is a classic instance of the nonfiction work of art.

The Guardian - Books

It was a classic instance of the way bad weather can make a festival less than the sum of its parts.

The New York Times

It calls the New London case a classic instance of "the unethical and unconstitutional marriage of convenience between developers and government".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a classic instance of this" when you want to highlight a well-known and representative example that clearly illustrates a concept or phenomenon. This phrase adds credibility and implies the example is widely recognized.

Common error

Avoid using "a classic instance of this" in overly casual or informal writing. The phrase carries a slightly formal tone and may sound out of place in everyday conversations or informal communications. In such cases, simpler alternatives like "a good example" or "this shows" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a classic instance of this" functions as an introductory phrase. It is used to introduce an example that is considered to be a prime or well-known illustration of a particular concept or situation. Ludwig's AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a classic instance of this" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to introduce a well-known and representative example. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively enhances clarity and persuasiveness in writing and speech. Although versatile, its formal tone makes it more suitable for neutral to formal contexts, such as news articles, encyclopedia entries, and academic papers. Alternatives like "a prime example of this" or "a typical case of this" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prime example of this

Replaces "classic" with "prime", indicating a top-tier example. Similar in meaning, but slightly emphasizes quality.

a typical case of this

Substitutes "classic" with "typical", focusing on representativeness rather than noteworthiness.

a textbook example of this

Implies the example is so clear it could be used for teaching purposes.

a perfect illustration of this

Replaces "instance" with "illustration", suggesting a clear and demonstrative example.

a clear demonstration of this

Focuses on the aspect of proving or showing something. "Instance" is replaced with "demonstration"

a telling illustration of this

Suggests the example reveals or highlights an important aspect.

a striking example of this

Emphasizes the notability or impact of the example.

a noteworthy case of this

Highlights the example as being worthy of attention or consideration.

a standard illustration of this

Highlights how the concept is related to established norms or standards.

a common manifestation of this

Focuses on the appearance or form in which something is expressed or shown.

FAQs

How can I use "a classic instance of this" in a sentence?

You can use "a classic instance of this" to introduce a well-known example that illustrates a particular point or concept. For example, "The Great Depression is "a classic instance of this", demonstrating the impact of unregulated markets."

What are some alternatives to "a classic instance of this"?

Alternatives include "a prime example of this", "a typical case of this", or "a textbook example of this", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a classic instance of this" or "a classic example of this"?

Both "a classic instance of this" and "a classic example of this" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. The choice depends on personal preference, but "example" might be slightly more common and easier to understand.

What does "a classic instance of this" imply about the example being cited?

Using "a classic instance of this" implies that the example is well-known, representative, and clearly illustrates the point being made. It suggests the example has been recognized and studied over time.