a familiar instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a familiar instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation or example that is well-known or commonly encountered. Example: "In discussions about climate change, a familiar instance is the melting of polar ice caps."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, the reliability of this approach is undermined by the fact that we are able to react to stimuli before they become conscious ('blindsight' is a familiar instance of this).

SEP

Markets are a familiar instance of an alternative form of coordination: in a market economy, market outcomes are less than choices on the part of the government, and are not directly attributable to the state.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jeremy says Yours seems to be an all too familiar instance of pigeonholing – I've touched on it in previous columns.

The Guardian - Money

One familiar instance of this class of events is referred to as the phi phenomenon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the purpose he imagined was this familiar instance of narrative shorthand, used to quickly vilify the random gangsters, then it has a long history of similar usage in Mafia stories.

Vice

Hart criticized the command theories of law associated with John Austin and Bentham because of their failure to make sense of all those familiar instances of laws that confer legal powers on individuals rather than commanding them to abstain from particular conduct on pain of punishment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the most familiar instances of such arguments is the Quine-Putnam argument for the existence of mathematical objects.

SEP

One of the functions of reputations in societies is to enable coordination, and some of the most familiar instances of this occur when reputations are based on past actions.

Games and Economic Behavior

The opening act spends a long time establishing a familiar framework, for instance, and there are multiple endings – none of which quite hang together.

The Guardian - Film

For semis, this was a familiar story, with recurring instances dating back to the 1950s as end demand swung cyclically from industrial and enterprise to consumer and then back again.

Forbes

Each new layer is a consequence of the appearance of an interacting range of 'novel qualities.' Their novelty is not merely temporal (such as the first instance of a particular geometric configuration), nor the first instance of a particular determinate of a familiar determinable (such as the first instance of mass 157.6819 kg in a contiguous hunk of matter).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a familiar instance" to introduce an example that your audience is likely to recognize immediately, enhancing understanding and connection.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on overly common or trite examples. While "a familiar instance" can aid comprehension, ensure it provides genuine insight rather than stating the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a familiar instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce or refer to an example that is commonly known or easily recognizable. Ludwig provides various examples across different domains where this phrase serves to illustrate a point with a relatable situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a familiar instance" is a noun phrase used to introduce a common or well-known example to clarify a point. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not overly frequent, it appears in various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the example you provide is indeed familiar to your audience and adds genuine insight. Alternatives include "a common example" or "a typical case", depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common example

Replaces "instance" with "example", indicating a typical occurrence.

a typical case

Substitutes "familiar instance" with "typical case", focusing on the usual nature of the situation.

a well-known occurrence

Replaces "instance" with "occurrence" and emphasizes the widely recognized nature of the event.

a frequent happening

Uses "frequent happening" to convey the common and repeated nature of the event.

a classic illustration

Emphasizes that the instance serves as a prime example or model.

a prime example

Highlights the instance as a top-tier or notable illustration of a concept.

a standard illustration

Indicates that the instance is a regular and unremarkable example.

a usual suspect

Implies that the instance is often encountered or considered.

a recognizable pattern

Focuses on the identifiable and recurring nature of the instance.

a general trend

Suggests the instance is part of a larger, widespread phenomenon.

FAQs

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

You can use "a familiar instance" to introduce a well-known example or situation to illustrate a point. For example, "In discussions about privacy, "data breaches" are a familiar instance".

What are some alternatives to "a familiar instance"?

Some alternatives include "a common example", "a typical case", or "a well-known occurrence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "a familiar instance"?

While the phrase itself isn't inherently redundant, be mindful of the context. Ensure that the instance you're citing genuinely clarifies your point and isn't merely stating the obvious to your audience.

What's the difference between "a familiar instance" and "a classic example"?

"A familiar instance" suggests something that is commonly known or encountered, while "a classic example" implies something that is both well-known and serves as a prime illustration of a concept.