a instance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a instance of" is not correct; it should be "an instance of." You can use "an instance of" when referring to a specific occurrence or example of something.
Example: "This is an instance of poor communication within the team."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This phenotype may be a instance of 'obligate haploinsufficiency' [ 42], whereby fitness is compromised as the gene dosage is reduced below some threshold value, but the phenotype is subsequently rescued through the switching on of a compensatory pathway.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A link is an instance of an association.

BMC Genomics

A color space is an instance of a color model.

Columbia University

This could be an instance of a conductor and an orchestra achieving that elusive element, chemistry.

The New York Times

Consider an instance of a principal stepping into a teacher's classroom.

Harvard University

An object is an instance of a class type.

VHDL-2008 Just the New Stuff

If I ask an instance of a node, what's your name?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I recalled an instance of a manufactured quote in the primary campaign of 1968.

The New York Times

He calls it an instance of a good idea and good intentions gone stale.

The New York Times

"Simply Styne" is an instance of a performer having her cake and eating it too.

The New York Times - Arts

But he said it was an instance of a larger phenomenon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "an" instead of "a" before words that begin with a vowel sound. The correct phrase is "an instance of".

Common error

Avoid using "a" before words that begin with a vowel sound. The correct form is "an instance of". Using the incorrect article can make your writing sound unprofessional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to function as a prepositional phrase, introducing a specific occurrence or example. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "an instance of".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a instance of" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "an instance of". According to Ludwig AI, you should always use "an" before words starting with a vowel sound. Although the phrase appears in various contexts such as science, news, and academia, it is relatively rare and considered incorrect. Alternatives like ""an example of"" or ""a case of"" are better choices. Ensure correct article usage to maintain a professional tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an example of

Replaces the grammatically incorrect article "a" with the correct article "an".

a case of

Offers a more concise and commonly used alternative to express a particular situation or occurrence.

an illustration of

Implies a clearer, more vivid representation of a concept or idea.

a demonstration of

Suggests a more explicit and purposeful display or proof of something.

an occurrence of

Focuses on the fact that something has happened or exists.

a manifestation of

Highlights the way in which something abstract becomes concrete or visible.

a specimen of

Implies a sample taken for analysis or observation, often in a scientific context.

an embodiment of

Suggests a more complete and representative example of a concept or quality.

a display of

Emphasizes the act of showing or exhibiting something.

a sign of

Indicates that something else exists or will happen.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "a instance of"?

The correct phrase is "an instance of". The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

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

You can use "an instance of" to refer to a specific example or occurrence of something. For example: "This is "an instance of" excellent teamwork."

What can I say instead of "an instance of"?

You can use alternatives like "an example of", "a case of", or "a manifestation of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "an instance of" and "an example of"?

While similar, ""an instance of"" often implies a specific occurrence, while ""an example of"" can refer to a more general illustration or representation.