a specific instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular example or occurrence of something within a broader context. Example: "In this study, we will analyze a specific instance of consumer behavior during the holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a specific instance of both reading the GPG and editing the proposal.

Stanford University

This problem is actually a specific instance of a broader theoretical uncertainty in class-action procedure.

Columbia University

It is often difficult to definitively link a specific instance of disease to one particular cause, like water pollution.

The New York Times

(Whether Trump on the tape was describing a specific instance in which he touched women without their consent is unclear).

The Guardian

BALTIMORE — Jed Lowrie does not remember a specific instance when he finally felt as if he belonged with the Red Sox.

The New York Times - Sports

Jayaraman could not cite a specific instance in which a member of the group had lost a client to a Trump business.

The Washington Post

Was there ever a specific instance when you felt discriminated against by the police because of your race or ethnic background?

The New York Times

In addition, there is an important legal difference between talking in general about buying political influence — and talking about a specific instance where influence was bought.

The Washington Post

This count is a specific instance of (average) Euclidean distance degrees of algebraic varieties, and I will briefly discuss other instances inspired by applications.

University of California, Berkeley

In this paper, we focus on a specific instance of that task; that of generating e-learning courses adapted to students' profiles, within the automated planning paradigm.

Expert Systems with Applications

Our aim here is to solve a specific instance of a complex model integration problem by using a framework and scientific workflow approach together.

Environmental Modelling & Software

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific instance", follow it with a clear and concise description of the instance to ensure clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid making broad generalizations based solely on "a specific instance". Ensure that the instance is representative or provide additional evidence to support broader claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific instance" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It introduces a particular example or occurrence to illustrate a broader point, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific instance" is a versatile noun phrase used to introduce concrete examples across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide a clear and concise description of the instance to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "a particular case" or "a concrete example" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. Its frequency and widespread use make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular occurrence

Emphasizes the event happening, swapping "instance" for "occurrence".

a concrete example

Highlights the tangibility of the example, replacing "specific" with "concrete".

a distinct case

Focuses on the individuality of the situation, substituting "specific" with "distinct" and "instance" with "case".

a precise illustration

Highlights the clarity of the example, swapping "instance" for "illustration" and "specific" for "precise".

a single episode

Emphasizes that the event is a part of a bigger story, replacing "instance" with "episode".

an isolated event

Highlights the separation of the event, substituting "specific" with "isolated" and "instance" with "event".

a unique situation

Focuses on the rarity of the circumstance, replacing "instance" with "situation" and "specific" with "unique".

a select example

Highlights that the example was chosen, substituting "specific" with "select".

a detailed account

Focuses on the comprehensiveness of the description, replacing "instance" with "account".

a noted example

Highlights that the example is well-known or remarkable, swapping "specific" for "noted".

FAQs

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

Use "a specific instance" to introduce a particular example or occurrence to support a broader point. For example, "The company's success can be attributed to "a specific instance" of innovative marketing."

What are some alternatives to "a specific instance"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular case", "a concrete example", or "a distinct case" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a specific instance" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to provide a concrete example to illustrate a point, support an argument, or provide evidence. It's especially useful in academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

Is there a difference between "a specific instance" and "a typical instance"?

"A specific instance" refers to a particular occurrence, while "a typical instance" refers to a representative or common example. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a particular event or a general pattern.