a first instance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first instance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial occurrence or example of something in a particular context. Example: "This discovery marks a first instance of a new species being found in this region."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Acadian historians speak of the British response as a first instance of "ethnic cleansing".

Independent

A first instance of integrability without the Painlevé property was the derivation of the integrable system described by the Hamiltonian [21]: (2.1).

Advances in Difference Equations

Still at the pilot study stage, shown in Figure 6, Tonetable is a first instance of such a research tool.

AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

The recovered phylogeny based on complete mt genome data provides a first instance of robust phylogenetic framework for comparative studies in gastropods, and will allow a better understanding of evolutionary trends within this group.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

28 A total of 12,247 female Parkinson's disease cases were identified by searching the Danish National Registry of Patients for a first instance of a PD diagnostic code (ICD-8: 342, ICD-10: G20) recorded between 1982 and 2007.

Clinical Epidemiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In cases where a second instance of a phenotypically defined gene occurs, an allelism or complementation test will be considered essential evidence.

Rice

We extend our previous work by examining a second instance of co-evolutionary dynamics on Twitter, namely the possibility of an unfollow event to occur.

Computational Social Networks

If a second instance of a similar unmapped sequenced gene occurs, the best reciprocal match approach should be applied to rigorously confirm whether it is, in fact, the same as the gene previously identified.

Rice

Finally, we briefly consider a second instance of co-evolutionary dynamics on Twitter, namely the possibility that a user removes a follower link after receiving a tweet or retweet from the corresponding followee.

Computational Social Networks

For his service in the Senate liaison office, McCain was awarded a second instance of the Legion of Merit.

Wikipedia

In a third instance of abuse that occurred in April 2014, Sheetal Ranot allegedly hit her stepdaughter in the face with a wooden rolling pin, causing a laceration on her left cheek, according to court documents.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a first instance of", ensure that you clearly define the context in which the instance is considered 'first'. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid incorrectly labeling subsequent occurrences as "a first instance of". Double-check your information to confirm that it truly is the initial occurrence within the specified context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first instance of" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the initial occurrence or example of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. As exemplified by the provided examples, it often serves to introduce something novel or significant.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a first instance of" correctly identifies the initial occurrence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's primarily used to emphasize novelty or originality across various contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reporting. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears mainly in science and news media, making it crucial to ensure clarity and accuracy when denoting the 'first' occurrence. The phrase serves to mark significant beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very first occurrence of

Adds emphasis to the fact that it is absolutely the first time something has occurred.

an initial case of

Replaces "first instance" with "initial case", emphasizing the beginning of something.

the inaugural example of

Uses "inaugural example" to denote the very first and often significant occurrence.

the premiere occurrence of

Substitutes "premiere occurrence" for "first instance", suggesting a debut or important initial event.

the earliest demonstration of

Focuses on the aspect of showing or proving something for the first time.

a pioneering example of

Highlights the innovative or ground-breaking nature of the initial occurrence.

the original manifestation of

Emphasizes the first appearance or form in which something exists.

the genesis of

Implies the origin or beginning of something, often with a sense of development.

the start of

A simpler way to indicate the beginning or commencement of something.

the dawn of

Evokes a sense of new beginnings and the emergence of something significant.

FAQs

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

Use "a first instance of" to highlight the initial occurrence of something significant. For example, "This study represents a first instance of a successful treatment for this rare condition."

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

You can use alternatives such as "an "initial case of"", "the "inaugural example of"", or "the "premiere occurrence of"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a first instance of" or "the first instance of"?

Both "a first instance of" and "the first instance of" are grammatically correct. "A first instance of" implies that it's one of potentially many first instances across different contexts, while "the first instance of" suggests it is definitively the very first occurrence ever.

What's the difference between "a first instance of" and "a rare instance of"?

"A first instance of" refers specifically to the initial occurrence of something. On the other hand, "a rare instance of" indicates that something does not occur frequently, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's the first time it has happened.