a special instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a unique or particular case that stands out from others in a given context. Example: "In this study, we will examine a special instance of social behavior that deviates from the norm."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But "The Doctors" has a special instance here.

The New Yorker

A special instance of diffraction, often referred to as the Tyndall effect (after its discoverer, the 19th-century British physicist John Tyndall), results in the presence of blue colours in many animals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For OB OBp → p) →(OBOBp → OBp) is just a special instance of OB-K.

SEP

A special instance of the Fourier series is the cosine series.

Advances in Difference Equations

The sine series is a special instance of the Fourier series.

Advances in Difference Equations

Boundary value problems, with homogeneous Neumann conditions, in possibly irregular Euclidean domains are included as a special instance.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

As a special case, for instance, we have the identity (understood in the distribution sense) :\int_{-\infty}^\infty \delta (\xi-x) \delta x-\eta) \delta x-\etaa(\xi-\eta).

Wikipedia

In econometrics, for instance, a special case of the logicians' problems of definability plays an important role under the title "identification problem".

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the case of "deviations from the ordered requirement," an e-mail message replied, the company's policy is to offer a "free revision," but in this instance — a "special case," the message said — Term Paper Relief offered to redo the entire assignment.

The New York Times

Clearly, (2) is a special case of this instance, when is the identity matrix.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Indeed, feminists have had to make a special case that, for instance, a woman's adopting stereotypical traits and roles is immoral because it harms women as a group (see Section 3.5), or that servility is immoral because it violates a duty to be self-respecting, as Kant believed.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a special instance" to draw attention to a specific situation that warrants individual consideration or differs significantly from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "a special instance" when a simpler term like "example" or "case" would suffice. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special instance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to identify and refer to a particular occurrence or example that is noteworthy or unique. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights an event that stands out from the ordinary. The structure "a special instance of X" is often used to classify something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a special instance" is a noun phrase used to highlight a particular event or situation that warrants specific attention. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and well-suited for various formal contexts, notably science, news, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "a unique case" or "a specific example" exist, "a special instance" carries a unique emphasis on the singularity and noteworthiness of the situation. To enhance your writing, consider it for emphasizing a unique situation but do not overuse it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular occurrence

Replaces 'special' with 'particular', emphasizing the specific nature of the event.

a unique situation

Substitutes 'instance' with 'situation', highlighting the circumstances.

an exceptional case

Uses 'exceptional' instead of 'special', conveying rarity.

a specific example

Replaces 'instance' with 'example', focusing on illustration.

an isolated event

Highlights the singularity of the event.

a noteworthy incident

Emphasizes the importance or significance of the occurrence.

a distinct occasion

Focuses on the separate and clear nature of the event.

a singular circumstance

Highlights the unusual or unique set of facts.

a rare phenomenon

Emphasizes the infrequency of the event.

an unusual happening

Replaces 'instance' with 'happening', suggesting something out of the ordinary.

FAQs

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

Use "a special instance" when you want to highlight a particular case that is unique or significant within a broader context. For example, "This research focuses on a special instance of viral mutation."

What's a good alternative to "a special instance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a unique case", "a specific example", or "a particular occurrence".

When is it appropriate to use "a special instance"?

It is appropriate when you're referring to a specific situation that deviates from the norm or requires particular attention. For instance, "The company made an exception in a special instance where the client's needs were extraordinary."

Is "a special instance" the same as "a special case"?

While similar, "a special instance" often implies a singular occurrence or event, while "a special case" might refer to a category or type of situation that requires different handling. The nuance depends on the context.