a compelling instance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a compelling instance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a specific example that strongly illustrates a point or concept. Example: "The recent climate report is a compelling instance of the urgent need for action on global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is a compelling instance of the logic of collective action, an instance of such grave import that we pass laws to regulate the behavior of individuals to force them to pollute less.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In a less compelling instance of repurposed research, he is also showing ink-jet on watercolor paper prints of an essay on Smithson and the author Thomas Pynchon that figured in his M.F.A. studies at Hunter College.

The New York Times - Arts

The court argues that those wishing for the law's demise had found no compelling instance of anyone unfairly burdened by having to acquire voter ID since the law passed in 2005.

The Economist

Lewis in his biography writes: **{:.break one} ** The relationship between George Frederic [Jones] and Lucretia [née Rhinelander], in their daughter's version of it, provided Edith Wharton with the first and most compelling instance of what would become one of her central themes: the larger spirit subdued and defeated by the smaller one.

The New Yorker

Lewis in his biography writes: The relationship between George Frederic [Jones] and Lucretia [née Rhinelander], in their daughter's version of it, provided Edith Wharton with the first and most compelling instance of what would become one of her central themes: the larger spirit subdued and defeated by the smaller one.

The New Yorker

However, mezzo-soprano Peabody Southwell's Omar, the youngest terrorist whose aria is incendiary poetry, gave a frightening portrayal of youth vulnerable to extremism in what was also Robinson's most compelling instance of staging. .

Los Angeles Times

The problem also offers a compelling illustration of the Timoshenko paradox.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The dream argument is a compelling example of this.

SEP

Drug-induced hypertension is a compelling example of this.

European Journal of Cancer, Supplement

In almost every instance, Mr. Stigers made a compelling case for the song as a candidate for inclusion in an expanding canon of popular standards.

The New York Times - Arts

(For a compelling account of how the financial lobby works, both in general and in this instance, look for a forthcoming book by Jeff Connaughton, former chief of staff to former Senator Ted Kaufman of Delaware).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a compelling instance of" when you want to highlight an example that is both interesting and strongly supportive of your argument. It's most effective when the example is not just illustrative but also persuasive.

Common error

While "a compelling instance of" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "a striking example of" or "a significant case of" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a compelling instance of" functions as an introductory phrase to highlight a specific example. It is often used to strengthen an argument or illustrate a point by providing a noteworthy case, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a compelling instance of" is a phrase used to introduce a particularly convincing example that supports an argument or illustrates a point. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as an introductory element, typically found in neutral to formal contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedic content. While not extremely common, its use adds emphasis to the presented example, helping to persuade the audience of its significance. Alternatives include "a convincing example of" and "a powerful illustration of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a convincing example of

Replaces "compelling" with "convincing", suggesting the example is persuasive rather than just interesting.

a powerful illustration of

Substitutes "instance" with "illustration", focusing on the clarifying nature of the example and replaces "compelling" with "powerful".

a striking demonstration of

Uses "striking demonstration" instead of "compelling instance", emphasizing the observable and impactful nature of the example.

a notable case of

Replaces "compelling instance" with "notable case", indicating the example is significant or worthy of attention.

a significant occurrence of

Emphasizes the importance of the event, replacing "compelling" with "significant" and "instance" with "occurrence".

a telling manifestation of

This alternative uses "telling manifestation" to suggest the instance reveals something important or underlying.

a clear cut example of

Replaces "compelling instance" with "clear cut example", suggesting that the example is obvious and easy to understand.

a prime illustration of

Emphasizes that the example is a top or excellent illustration of something, using the word "prime".

a remarkable incident of

Suggests that the instance is noteworthy or unusual, replacing "compelling" with "remarkable".

an important illustration of

Replaces "compelling" with "important", suggesting the example is significant.

FAQs

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

Use "a compelling instance of" to introduce an example that strongly supports your argument. For example: "The recent study is "a compelling instance of" the need for further research."

What can I say instead of "a compelling instance of"?

You can use alternatives like "a convincing example of", "a powerful illustration of", or "a striking demonstration of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a compelling instance of"?

It is appropriate to use "a compelling instance of" when you want to emphasize that a particular example provides strong support for a claim or argument. It suggests that the example is not only relevant but also persuasive.

Is there a difference between "a compelling instance of" and "a clear example of"?

While both phrases introduce examples, "a compelling instance of" suggests the example is particularly convincing or persuasive, whereas "a clear example of" simply means the example is easy to understand.