a notable instance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a notable instance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a specific example that stands out due to its significance or importance. Example: "The discovery of penicillin is a notable instance of how chance can lead to groundbreaking medical advancements."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A notable instance of recent natural selection is the emergence of lactose tolerance — the ability to digest lactose in adulthood — among the cattle-herding people of northern Europe some 5,000 years ago.

The New York Times - Science

Aristotle spoke of "things said in many ways," a notable instance of which is "being".

SEP

Although the "Arthur of romance" was sometimes central to these new Arthurian works (as he was in Burne-Jones's The Last Sleep of Arthur in Avalon, 1881 1898), on other occasions he reverted to his medieval status and is either marginalised or even missing entirely, with Wagner's Arthurian operas providing a notable instance of the latter.

Wikipedia

The phylogenetic placement of Myersiella deep within the Gastrophryninae may represent a notable instance of convergence given the morphological [ 56], behavioral, and reproductive [ 79] characteristics it shares with the otophrynine Synapturanus.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

There is certainly anecdotal evidence that new technologies were leading composers' ears in certain directions, a notable instance being the kinds of sustained chords and terraced delays Mr. Boulez wrote into his Third Piano Sonata in imitation of electronic music whose effects he envied but was technologically unable to create himself.

The New York Times - Arts

A notable instance is Republicans' deliberate misconstruing of Obama's "you didn't build that" comment about how business relies on public investment in infrastructure.

Huffington Post

A notable instance occurred in 1957, in the wake of Brown v. Board of Education, when Orval Faubus, the governor of Arkansas, resisted the desegregation of a high school in Little Rock.

The New Yorker

In a notable instance, controversy has erupted over experimentalists' use of the term "dynamics", which has been met with rejection by theoreticians who assumed "dynamics" meant nonstatistical motions, even though the experimentalists using the term "dynamics" obviously meant thermally equilibrated dynamics (as is evident from their use of eqs 3 and 4).

Accounts of Chemical Research

Perhaps the most notable instance of a continuing concurrent use registration is that of Holiday Inn.

Wikipedia

This appears to have been the first notable instance of what became famous as the Preminger tantrum — an empurpled complexion followed by a seeming loss of control and shrieking insults.

The New Yorker

Another notable instance of the progression of cinematic phrasing toward greater euphony is a line of Mae West's.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a notable instance of" when you want to draw attention to a specific case that exemplifies a broader trend or concept. Ensure the instance you cite is genuinely significant and relevant to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a notable instance of" repeatedly within the same paragraph or section. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a significant example" or "a striking case" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a notable instance of" primarily functions as an introductory phrase. It serves to introduce a specific example or case that is significant or worthy of attention. Ludwig examples show it's used to set up the introduction of an event or occurrence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a notable instance of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used introductory phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to highlight a significant example or case. Its prevalence across news sources, scientific articles, and encyclopedias suggests its versatility and reliability in various writing contexts. When using this phrase, it's advisable to ensure the cited instance is genuinely significant and relevant to your argument, and to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant example of

Emphasizes the importance of the example.

a remarkable case of

Highlights the unusual or extraordinary nature of the instance.

a noteworthy example of

Focuses on the characteristic of being worthy of attention.

a striking example of

Indicates an instance that is particularly noticeable or impressive.

a prominent illustration of

Highlights an instance that serves as a clear and well-known example.

a classic case of

Implies that the instance is a typical or representative example.

a prime example of

Suggests that the instance is one of the best or most typical.

a telling illustration of

Indicates that the instance reveals something important or significant.

a key instance of

Emphasizes the importance of the instance in understanding a larger phenomenon.

a major occurrence of

Focuses on the substantial or considerable aspect of the event.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a notable instance of" in a sentence?

Use "a notable instance of" to introduce a specific example that clearly illustrates a larger point or concept. Ensure the example is relevant and adds weight to your argument. For instance, "The rise of remote work is "a notable instance of" how technology is transforming traditional work structures."

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

You can use alternatives such as "a significant example of", "a remarkable case of", or "a striking illustration of" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a notable instance of" and "a common instance of"?

"A notable instance of" highlights an example that is significant or worthy of attention, while "a common instance of" refers to something that occurs frequently. The former emphasizes importance, whereas the latter emphasizes frequency. Choose the phrase that best reflects the characteristic you want to emphasize.

Can "a notable instance of" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "a notable instance of" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it's more frequently encountered in formal contexts such as academic papers, news articles, and professional reports. In informal writing, you might opt for more casual alternatives like "a good example of" or "a key illustration of".