a single instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific occurrence or example of something. Example: "In a single instance, the experiment yielded unexpected results that contradicted our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eventually, he tracked down a single instance.

The Economist

Let a single instance suffice.

The New York Times

No one offered a single instance.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet there was not a single instance of violence.

The Guardian

All of the FITS XML is consolidated into a single instance of FITS XML.

Harvard University

They brought forward not a single instance of actual use of such services for such purposes.

Harvard University

There is probably not a single instance of a cure involving a robe.

The New York Times

At louder volumes, a single instance can cause permanent damage, as it did with my grandmother.

The New Yorker

I cannot think of a single instance when we used St . Lukes after the affiliation agreement.

The New York Times

3. Try not to overreact to a single instance of substance use.

The New York Times

A single instance can drive a woman from her subject and ruin her life more generally.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single instance", ensure the context clearly indicates why focusing on that specific instance is important or relevant to your argument.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions based solely on "a single instance". Always consider whether the instance is representative and if there's sufficient evidence to support a wider claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single instance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It specifies a singular occurrence of something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single instance" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to one specific occurrence or example. As Ludwig highlights, it's broadly applicable across diverse contexts, from news reporting to scientific studies. While seemingly simple, its effective use hinges on ensuring the chosen instance is both relevant and significant to the broader discussion. Be mindful of overgeneralizing from one case. Remember, the impact of "a single instance" lies in its ability to illuminate a larger point, not to stand as proof of a universal truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one instance

Omits the article "a", making it slightly more concise.

a solitary instance

Replaces "single" with "solitary", emphasizing the isolated nature of the occurrence.

a unique case

Shifts the focus to the distinctiveness of the event rather than just its singularity.

an individual occurrence

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey the same idea.

a lone example

Substitutes "instance" with "example" and "single" with "lone", highlighting the lack of similar examples.

a one-time event

Emphasizes that the instance happened only once and is not recurring.

an isolated incident

Highlights the separation of the event from other related events.

a specific occurrence

Focuses on the particularity of the event, rather than just its singleness.

a singular event

Similar to "a unique case", but emphasizes the rareness of the event.

a particular example

Highlights that the example is just one of the cases

FAQs

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

Use "a single instance" to highlight a particular occurrence or example. For example, "a single instance of success doesn't guarantee future results".

What are some alternatives to using "a single instance"?

You can use alternatives like "one occurrence", "a solitary example", or "a unique case" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a single instance" or "one instance"?

Both "a single instance" and "one instance" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the desired emphasis or flow of the sentence. "A single instance" can sometimes add a slight emphasis on the singularity.

When is it appropriate to focus on "a single instance" in an argument?

It is appropriate to focus on "a single instance" when it serves as a compelling example, an exception to a rule, or a pivotal moment that significantly impacts the situation being discussed.