a single instance of

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

Calling out a single instance of sexism in a professional space hit a nerve far deeper than I ever imagined.

The Guardian - Opinion

I can't think of a single instance of sexism in 10 years within our team or the business.

The Guardian

In the 11 episodes seen so far it is hard to recall a single instance of Sarah Connor smiling.

The New York Times - Arts

Of course, a single instance of two cars, one just behind the other, could have spelled calamity.

The New York Times

"There is not a single instance of a magic mushroom being preserved in the archaeological record anywhere," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Growing up in Baltimore in the 1960s and 1970s, I experienced not a single instance of blatant anti-Semitism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single instance of" when you want to emphasize that something happened only once or is a rare occurrence. It adds weight to the singularity of the event.

Common error

While useful, "a single instance of" can become repetitive if used too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "one occurrence of" or "a solitary case of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single instance of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing the uniqueness or rareness of the instance being described. It is often used to highlight that something occurred only once or is not a common event. Ludwig confirms its accurate usage in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

28%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single instance of" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to emphasize the singularity of an event or occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate across a wide range of contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While "a single instance of" is a common and acceptable phrase, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "one occurrence of" or "a solitary case of" to maintain clarity and engagement. Remember that highlighting the uniqueness of an event with the query is valuable, but moderation in your writing keeps it impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one occurrence of

Focuses on the act of something happening once.

a solitary case of

Emphasizes the isolated and unique nature of the event.

a unique example of

Highlights the distinctiveness of the instance.

a lone demonstration of

Stresses that it's the only showing of something.

an isolated incident of

Points to the event being separate and not part of a pattern.

a singular event of

Underscores the special and individual characteristic of the event.

a one-time exhibition of

Implies that something was shown or displayed on just one occasion.

an exceptional illustration of

Emphasizes the special and noteworthy nature of the example.

a rare sighting of

Highlights the infrequency and unusual nature of observing something.

a limited display of

Focuses on the short duration or scarcity of the exhibition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single instance of" to highlight that something happened only one time. For example, "A single instance of kindness can change someone's day".

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

Alternatives include "one occurrence of", "a solitary case of", or "a unique example of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Both "a single instance of" and "one instance of" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "A single instance of" might add slightly more emphasis on the singularity.

Can "a single instance of" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a single instance of" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig's examples show its use in academic papers, news articles, and business reports.