a one off instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a one off instance" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a singular, unique occurrence, as opposed to something that is systematic or recurrent. For example, "The normally tranquil street was disrupted by a one off instance of noise pollution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, it's not as though this is a one-off instance of poor leadership.

Huffington Post

Secondly, the extent to which AAtRSs might function as peptide ligases remains unclear - is MshC a one-off example or are there more such instances?

Biology Direct

It was a one-off case".

Independent

Style is a matter of patterning, as "it involves describing preferred or recurring patterns of linguistic behaviour, rather than individual or one-off instances of intervention" (Baker 2000, p. 245).

Functional Linguistics

He also described the apple and potato initiatives as "one-off" instances, since weather conditions created those specific batches.

Huffington Post

We suggest that in the first instance, a one-off, TS/NPA-wide effort focused entirely on tip pruning, in effect removing E. flavipes favoured host material, and then followed by annual monitoring and further location-specific tip pruning if recolonization is detected, may achieve longer lasting control.

Evolutionary Applications

"There would probably have to be a level of seriousness in the conduct in question for instance, a one-off comment would be unlikely to be reported or prosecuted".

Vice

A big measured fall in income after the tax rise of 1993, for instance, mainly reflected a one-off pre-reform cash-out of stock options by a relatively small group of rich taxpayers.

The Economist

"We hope the Premier League demonstrates unequivocally that this instance of sexism was a one-off and is not emblematic of a wider sexist culture," she said.

BBC

Some venues – C for instance – charge more, but do so as a one-off fee).

The Guardian

For instance, inflation has jumped mainly because the recent removal of fuel subsidies led to a one-off rise in the cost of petrol.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a one off instance", ensure the context clearly indicates the singularity and non-recurring nature of the event. Consider alternatives like "unique event" or "isolated incident" for increased clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a one off instance" when the context implies a regular occurrence or a pattern. If the event is not truly unique, consider using phrases that indicate frequency or regularity instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one off instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a singular, non-recurring event or example. Ludwig states the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a one off instance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a singular, non-recurring event. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it is a phrase with limited examples, indicating that it isn't very common in written English. Because there are so few examples, it is difficult to ascertain appropriate contexts of use but a more formal register may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a singular occurrence

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the event.

an isolated incident

Highlights the separation of the event from any pattern.

a unique event

Focuses on the distinctiveness of the instance.

an exceptional case

Suggests that the instance deviates from the norm.

an infrequent happening

Stresses the rarity of the event.

an uncommon event

Underlines the unusual nature.

a rare instance

Highlights the infrequent nature.

a solitary example

Implies that the instance stands alone.

an isolated example

Indicates there are no other similar events.

a freak occurrence

Highlights the unexpected and unusual nature of the instance.

FAQs

How can I use "a one off instance" in a sentence?

Use "a one off instance" to describe a singular, non-recurring event. For example, "The company's sudden profit surge was considered "a one off instance" due to an unusual market fluctuation".

What are some alternatives to "a one off instance"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique event", "an isolated incident", or "a singular occurrence" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a one off instance"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something happened only once and is not part of a pattern or regular series of events.

Is there a more formal way to say "a one off instance"?

Yes, phrases like "an exceptional case" or "an infrequent occurrence" may sound more formal, especially in professional or academic writing.