The phrase "a recent instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific occurrence or example that has happened not long ago.
Example: "A recent instance of innovation in technology is the development of quantum computing."
Alternatives: "a recent example" or "a recent occurrence".
At least that's my conclusion after a recent instance of Turkish officialdom trying to show compassion.
"Seven Demon Police Surround and Beat Protester for Four Minutes," Apple Daily headlined a story about a recent instance of suspected police brutality.
It's enough for him that people he encounters often think he's their insurance agent or, as in a recent instance, their supermarket bag boy.
Most damaging of all, many travelers say they can readily cite a recent instance or two in which the airlines have broken one of their promises.
In a recent instance he was thrilled to unearth documentary evidence for the expression "pile of pants," British slang for rubbish or nonsense.
In a recent instance of psychological warfare, or just annoying behavior, North Korean soldiers crossed several feet into the Southern side and sat down on chairs while the Southerners were busy harvesting crops.
Take for instance a recent example my mother experienced.
A recent case against Wachovia, for instance, included 51 confidential witnesses.
I can't find a single recent instance of a candidate who ultimately became his party's nominee losing a primary by this kind of margin.
California's exposure levels are generally below the national average, and some of the municipalities in the suit report not a single recent instance of a child testing positive for elevated levels of lead.
In a more recent instance of executives making an impact through social media, Tesla Motors Inc's Chief Executive Elon Musk said last week on Twitter that something "exciting" would be announced.
