a single instance of thousands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single instance of thousands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is just one example among many similar occurrences. Example: "This report highlights a single instance of thousands where the data showed a significant anomaly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It took about two years on hundreds of computers to unlock a single instance of the RSA-768 algorithm, which, as its name suggests, requires a key that is seven hundred and sixty-eight bits long.

The New Yorker

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

Despite literally hundreds of wide-eyed press accounts last week of the "danger" of marijuana-infused Halloween candy, we are three days into November without a single instance of Halloween-related pot poisoning coming to light.

The Washington Post

But there is yet another more compelling fact: in all the thousands of naked mole rats that have lived and died in research labs and zoos over the past several decades, not a single instance of spontaneous cancer has been recorded1.

Nature

Generations of scholars have tried in vain to find in his writings a single instance of a demonstrative syllogism.

Britannica

Even a single instance of bad advice normally leads to a rapid decline in an adviser's standing.

Harvard Business Review

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

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single instance of thousands" to underscore the rarity or uniqueness of an event or observation within a larger dataset or population. This emphasizes that what you're describing is an exception, not the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "a single instance of thousands" to make broad generalizations. This phrase emphasizes rarity, so it is inappropriate to use it as evidence for common trends or patterns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single instance of thousands" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun by specifying that there is one occurrence among many. Ludwig provides examples where similar phrases are used to denote exceptions or rare events.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single instance of thousands" is used to highlight a rare or unique occurrence within a large set. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct. While there are no exact matches in the provided examples, similar phrases are used to denote exceptions. It's important to avoid using this phrase to make generalizations. Related phrases include "a solitary case among thousands" and "one example out of thousands". The phrase has a neutral register and can be used in various contexts to emphasize the exceptional nature of an observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solitary case among thousands

Focuses on the isolation of the case within a multitude.

one example out of thousands

Highlights that the instance is just one among many possible examples.

a unique situation amid thousands

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the situation compared to the others.

an isolated incident within thousands

Points to the isolated nature of the incident, suggesting it's not part of a pattern.

a rare occurrence among thousands

Stresses the infrequency of the occurrence.

one lone instance among thousands

Underscores the singularity and possible abandonment of the case.

a singular event among thousands

Highlights the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the event.

one case in thousands

A more concise way of expressing that this is a single case from a larger number.

a noteworthy exception among thousands

Suggests that this instance stands out compared to the thousands of others.

an uncommon example from thousands

Focuses on the scarcity and irregularity of the example.

FAQs

How can "a single instance of thousands" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a single instance of thousands" to highlight an exception or unique occurrence. For example, "This report highlights "a single instance of thousands" where the data showed a significant anomaly."

What phrases are similar to "a single instance of thousands"?

Alternatives include "a solitary case among thousands", "one example out of thousands", or "a unique situation amid thousands". These emphasize the rarity or uniqueness of an event.

Is it appropriate to use "a single instance of thousands" to prove a common trend?

No, using "a single instance of thousands" to demonstrate a common trend is misleading. This phrase highlights exceptions, not typical occurrences.

What is the best way to emphasize the unique nature of an observation?

Using phrases like "a single instance of thousands", "a rare occurrence among thousands", or "an isolated incident within thousands" can effectively underscore the singularity of an event.