a prior instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prior instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a previous occurrence or example of something in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In a prior instance, we observed similar behavior that led to different outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Administration officials and experts in pardon law said they were not aware of a prior instance of a president's withdrawing a pardon after it was announced.

The New York Times

Fortunately, if a future instance is very similar to a prior instance, studying history can suffice.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Robert Califf, who served as FDA commissioner in the Obama administration, told Kaiser Health news that "he couldn't think of a prior instance in which American researchers did not set up an IRB abroad".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But a 5-4 Supremajority majority held that the district court hadn't allowed enough public comment before making its decision — despite the dissenters' argument that they could not find a single prior "instance in which this court has pre-emptively sought to micromanage district court proceedings as it does today".

The New York Times

Research suggests that learners can succeed in new situations by applying generalized abstract knowledge (Gick & Holyoak, 1983) or by applying a specific prior instance (Ross, 1984).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Later he described receiving a "Good Guy" award from the National Women's Political Caucus, noting that "...history reveals no prior instance of a tax lawyer held to be a "Good Guy," or even a "Decent Sort". No personal achievement escaped the wrath of his dry wit – and he had a thriving practice as a result of it.

Forbes

With reminding, learners have to effortfully retrieve a prior related instance during the presentation of a temporally distant instance.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Private individuals have been convicted of spying for Cuba, but federal officials said they knew of no prior instance of the arrest of an American government official.

The New York Times

In each prior instance the establishment has won, and a core of frustrated voters sulk off to vent on radio and await the next election.

The Guardian

However, in remindings, learners need to retrieve the prior instance into working memory during presentation of the second item.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Workneh went on to explain that the latest call for the national guard marks the 11th time such a declaration has been made in black history, with many of the prior instances often inciting further violence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a prior instance" to refer to a specific, identifiable occurrence that has relevance to the current discussion or analysis. Be clear about the connection between the prior instance and the present context.

Common error

Avoid using "a prior instance" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "before" or "previously" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prior instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to a specific, identifiable event or situation that occurred before the current one under discussion. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prior instance" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a previous occurrence or example. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. While it's generally acceptable, it is more suited to formal and scientific writing than casual conversation. Its primary function is to provide context, evidence, or comparison by referencing a past event. Consider using related phrases like "a previous occurrence" or "an earlier case" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, using "a prior instance" effectively requires clarity about the connection between the past event and the present context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a previous occurrence

Replaces 'instance' with 'occurrence', emphasizing the event happening.

a past example

Substitutes 'prior instance' with 'past example', highlighting its role as a case or illustration.

an earlier case

Uses 'case' instead of 'instance' to convey a similar meaning, often in legal or investigative contexts.

a preceding event

Focuses on the temporal order, indicating something that happened before.

a former situation

Replaces 'instance' with 'situation', describing a set of circumstances that existed previously.

a historical precedent

Emphasizes the importance of the instance as a guide for future actions or decisions.

a pre-existing situation

Highlights the state of affairs before a certain point in time.

a foregoing occasion

Offers a more formal alternative, stressing the temporal precedence of the instance.

a preliminary episode

Emphasizes the 'instance' as part of a chain of connected events.

an antecedent event

Stresses the instance's role as a cause or precursor to something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "a prior instance" to refer to a previous occurrence or example of something. For example, "In "a prior instance", we observed a similar pattern."

What are some alternatives to "a prior instance"?

Some alternatives include "a previous occurrence", "a past example", or "an earlier case", depending on the context.

Is "a prior instance" formal or informal?

"A prior instance" is generally considered a formal phrase and is more appropriate for academic, professional, or news-related contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "a prior instance" instead of "before" or "previously"?

Use "a prior instance" when you want to emphasize a specific event or situation that serves as a precedent or example. "Before" or "previously" are more general temporal indicators, while "a prior instance" highlights a specific occurrence with relevant details.