a general instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a typical example or case that illustrates a broader concept or principle. Example: "In a general instance, most people tend to prefer a balanced diet for better health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A general instance of a Degree-Constrained Subgraph problem may be found in an edge-weighted or vertex-weighted graph G whereas the objective is to find an optimal weighted subgraph, subject to certain degree constraints on the vertices of the subgraph.

Computers & Mathematics with Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In our NP-hardness proof we use a very general instance which makes the proof applicable to a large set of special cases of the RDAP, including several important scheduling problems whose complexity was unresolved heretofore.

European Journal of Operational Research

There are also content stakes that include new general statements about a generic instance of an abstract concept (p. 42).

International Journal of STEM Education

A most general unifier (mgu) produces the most general instance shared by two unifiable expressions.

SEP

There are two general instances when an AM is removed by a subject: 1) during sleep, and 2) intermittently during waking hours.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The computational times experienced in solving general instances of the model of practical size by a commercial integer programming package are encouraging.

Journal of Food Engineering

Guidelines, however, are only recommendations for appropriate practice in very general instances.

The New York Times

Some of our methods may well apply to more general instances where semidefinite programming is used to estimate Euclidean distortions.

Journal of Combinatorial Theory, Series B

More general instances of local and global valuation problems are presented in Section 6 where we examine a BSDE approach to the nonlinear markets.

Probability, Uncertainty and Quantitative Risk

In online courses that allow learners to work at their own pace and follow their own interests, the impetus for cheating is already quite low and, in general, instances of academic cheating are fewer in low-pressure environments.

TechCrunch

However, general instances of MKL where α ≠ 0, 1 can be solved neither by combining the independent Steiner trees of each of the conditions nor by constructing a single Steiner tree over all terminals.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general instance", ensure the context clearly defines what broader category or principle the instance is meant to represent. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a general instance" to support claims without providing sufficient specific details or evidence. Ensure the instance is genuinely representative and not an outlier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general instance" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a specific example intended to represent a broader trend, category, or principle. It helps to illustrate or exemplify a more abstract concept, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general instance" is a phrase used to introduce a specific example that illustrates a broader concept or trend. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct but relatively rare. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the broader category it represents to avoid ambiguity. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica do employ this phrase, remember to provide sufficient details to support your claims and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical example

Focuses on the representativeness of the example.

a common case

Emphasizes the frequency of occurrence.

a standard illustration

Highlights the illustrative nature and accepted norm.

a representative example

Stresses that the example is typical of a larger group.

a broad illustration

Implies a simplified depiction or explanation.

a generalized example

Highlights the example's non-specificity.

a paradigmatic instance

Suggests the example is a perfect model or pattern.

a classic illustration

Implies a well-known and established example.

a frequent occurence

Focuses on how regularly something happens.

a customary illustration

Emphasizes the conventional or habitual character of the example.

FAQs

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

Use "a general instance" to introduce a specific example that represents a broader concept or trend. For instance, "This study is a general instance of how increased funding can improve research outcomes."

What phrases can I use instead of "a general instance"?

You can use alternatives like "a typical example", "a common case", or "a representative example" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a specific instance" or "a general instance"?

The choice depends on whether you want to focus on a particular example or highlight a broader trend. Use "a specific instance" when detailing a unique case, and "a general instance" when the example represents a wider pattern.

What's the difference between "a general instance" and "a particular instance"?

"A general instance" refers to a case that is representative of a broader trend or category, while "a particular instance" points to a specific, unique case. For example, the 2008 financial crisis was a particular instance of a general trend of market instability.