a similar instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a similar instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an example or occurrence that is comparable to another situation being discussed. Example: "In a similar instance, the company faced challenges when launching its previous product, which ultimately led to a reevaluation of their marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

(Waldstein mentions a canny Robinson Cano bunt that became a double as a similar instance).

The New Yorker

He came across a similar instance in 2006 when, "If you typed 'Jew' in Google, the first result was jewwatch.org.org

The Guardian - Tech

Perhaps France and its Paris are a similar instance, but there cannot be many such in the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I wrote of a similar instance last month, about Mail Online plagiarising an interview with Emma Thompson by the Los Angeles freelance, John Hiscock.

The Guardian

"You won't focus as much on the X's and O's because you know how we're going to block certain plays already," offensive lineman Kevin Boothe said, offering the Giants' preparation for last week's game against Washington as a similar instance.

The New York Times - Sports

• Abbey Klaassen, editor of Advertising Age, noted that another online ad company, Undertone, recently advertised on "The Pitch," an AMC reality show that features ad agencies, but she was unaware of a similar instance on "Mad Men".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A potentially similar instance of evolutionary co-option may come from research on moss orthologs of the Arabidopsis bHLH transcription factors RHD6 and AtRSL1, reported to control root hair development.

Genome Biology and Evolution

On Hume's interpretation, Newton's second rule, which he summarizes as, "where any principle has been found to have a great force and energy in one instance, to ascribe to it a like energy in all similar instances," is the most important one.

SEP

Cynthia Denne, a spokeswoman for the State Public Health Department, said she was not aware of any similar instances having occurred at St . Raphaelor any other hospital in the state.

The New York Times

Throughout the duet there are a dozen similar instances where Nuñez fills a phrase to its musical and expressive limit, through the slight angling of her head, the vertebra-by-vertebra curl of her spine.

The Guardian

An anisomycin signature was generated in a similar fashion (instance ids: 1304, 2658, 6764, threshold 1.0 and −0.67).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a similar instance", ensure the context clearly establishes the first instance for comparison. This avoids ambiguity and enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a similar instance" repeatedly within a short passage. This can make your writing seem repetitive. Instead, consider rephrasing or using synonyms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a similar instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and serves to introduce an analogous situation or event.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a similar instance" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for referencing comparable events or situations. Ludwig confirms its validity and practicality. While not exceptionally common, it appears across diverse sources like news, science, and encyclopedias. To enhance clarity and avoid repetition, it's crucial to provide a clear initial context and consider alternative phrasings when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comparable situation

Focuses on the overall circumstances being alike, instead of a specific occurrence.

an analogous case

Highlights a parallel in legal or logical contexts.

a corresponding example

Emphasizes the likeness as a representative illustration.

a parallel event

Suggests two events happening at the same time and having similarities.

a related occurrence

Highlights the connection or relationship between two events.

a comparable scenario

Like "a comparable situation", but more focused on hypothetical or planned circumstances.

an equivalent situation

Implies that the two situations lead to similar results or consequences.

a matching example

Stresses the identical features of the two examples.

a duplicate event

Indicates that an event has occurred more than once, with substantially identical characteristics.

a corresponding parallel

Emphasizes a likeness in development or course.

FAQs

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

Use "a similar instance" to draw parallels between two comparable events or situations. For example, "The company faced a similar instance last year when its marketing campaign backfired".

What are some alternatives to "a similar instance"?

You can use alternatives such as "a comparable situation", "an analogous case", or "a related occurrence" to vary your writing.

Is it better to use "a similar instance" or "a comparable example"?

Both "a similar instance" and "a comparable example" are correct. The choice depends on the specific context. "A similar instance" emphasizes the occurrence, while "a comparable example" highlights the illustrative nature.

What's the difference between "a similar instance" and "a similar situation"?

"A similar instance" refers to a specific occurrence, whereas "a similar situation" refers to a broader set of circumstances. Use "a similar instance" when referring to a specific event and "a similar situation" when talking about general conditions.