The phrase "a sad instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particular event or situation that is unfortunate or evokes sadness.
Example: "The sudden closure of the beloved local bookstore was a sad instance for the community, as many cherished the memories made there."
Alternatives: "a tragic occurrence" or "an unfortunate event."
But whenever the picture tries to be about something bigger, it turns predictable or maudlin or, in a few sad instances, both simultaneously.
It's an exceptionally elegant, witty yet sad instance of identity politics in art.
Doubtless Hughes's death with stir in some a tendency towards the changing rules and regulations, but that would neglect the freakish rarity of his injury and perhaps even dishonour Phillip Hughes and his teammates' deep love of a game that is neither riskless nor, in this sad instance, immune from life's tragic twists of fate.
If it continues to enter the oceans at anywhere near the current rate of 8.8 million tons a year, then sad instances of wildlife damage will only become more common.
"We have three sad instances where we have three young men who struggled with their lives off the ice.
You'll see others use their lies as stepping-stools to even greater and far more perilous lies, as was the case with the falsified nuclear missile launch officer tests and so many other sad instances.
But even if it doesn't incite physical violence, it promotes harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ people and is a sad echo of other instances when anti-gay ads have run on YouTube, sometimes appearing before videos by LGBTQ YouTubers.
The terrific 'I Never Came', for instance, is a sad, slow song.
Since some places don't allow actual candles — my dorm, for instance — these LED candles could be a sad, if not practical solution.
Thus, an SAD such as a VL or FFB should be considered as an alternative approach in this instance.
