a particular instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a particular instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific example or occurrence of something within a broader context. Example: "In a particular instance, the results of the experiment were significantly different from the expected outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Questioning in a particular instance whether a sexual assault occurred violates that principle.

The New Yorker

A particular instance of this is the English hammer-beam roof, which was a kind of corbeled truss that could span quite long distances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Ripa agreed with the assessment, pointing to a particular instance during Mr. Strahan's auditioning phase that convinced her and others he was right for the job.

The New York Times

"Harold's sense of injustice was so profound," says Malkovich, "that, whether or not it was misguided in a particular instance, to me it was always understandable as this massive hurt, which wasn't in evidence in his plays.

The Guardian

This was a particular instance of his broad emphasis on the urgency of considering questions of the economy, climate, health, and culture from the perspective of the impoverished global majority.

The New Yorker

What makes a particular instance of insider trading so wrongful that the government's most powerful law enforcement weapon — a criminal conviction — is used on defendants who pose little threat to society beyond their own avarice?

The New York Times

Free-surface tracking is performed by employing a particular instance of "shape constructors" called α-shapes.

Journal of Computational Physics

This survey, Sheltzer says, is a snapshot of the field of biology at a particular instance.

Science Magazine

A particular instance of Corollary V is the solar system as a whole.

SEP

In most practical circumstances, white noise is simply a particular instance of colored noise.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Req_id and state_table together uniquely identify a particular instance of the VN request (see section 4.5).

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a particular instance" when you want to refer to a specific occurrence or example, especially to illustrate a broader point or principle.

Common error

Avoid using "a particular instance" when making general statements or describing common occurrences. Instead, use broader terms or phrases that encompass the general idea without focusing on a specific example.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it introducing a specific example to illustrate a broader point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a particular instance" is a versatile phrase used to denote a specific occurrence or example. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed in various contexts, particularly in science and news media. To enhance your writing, use it to introduce specific examples that support broader claims, but avoid overuse in general statements. Consider alternatives like "a specific example" or "a certain case" for variety. Remember, the key is to use "a particular instance" to bring clarity and specificity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific example

Replaces "instance" with "example", offering a slightly more common and straightforward term.

a certain case

Substitutes "particular instance" with "certain case", focusing on a situation or event being considered.

a concrete illustration

Emphasizes the use of a tangible example, highlighting its illustrative purpose.

a distinct situation

Replaces "instance" with "situation", indicating a set of circumstances that are clearly defined.

a precise occurrence

Highlights the exact and specific nature of an event.

an individual event

Focuses on a single, separate happening.

a unique incident

Stresses the singularity and individuality of the event, marking it as one of a kind.

a given circumstance

Highlights the setting or condition in which something takes place.

a selected item

Focuses on the choice of a specific object or element.

a representative sample

Highlights its role as typical and embodying a broader set.

FAQs

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

Use "a particular instance" to refer to a specific example within a larger context. For example, "In "a particular instance" of data analysis, we observed a significant anomaly."

What are some alternatives to "a particular instance"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific example", "a certain case", or "a distinct situation" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "in a particular instance"?

While "in "a particular instance"" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes be redundant. Consider whether "in this case" or "specifically" might be more concise and effective.

When should I use "a particular instance" over "a specific example"?

"A particular instance" is often used when referring to an event or situation, whereas "a specific example" is more often used to illustrate a general principle or concept. The choice depends on the context and what you want to emphasize.