a typical instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a typical instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a common or representative example of a situation or phenomenon. Example: "This case serves as a typical instance of how the system can fail under pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

This was a typical instance of Howes seizing an opening.

The Guardian

What it is to be a typical instance is to be one of the instances that occurs more frequently.

Yale University

A typical instance is the prohibition of the sale of unintoxicating malt liquors in order to make effective a prohibition of the sale of beer.

Cornell University

Natan Sharansky is now allied with the neoconservative camp, and he cites the Chicken Kiev speech as a typical instance of realist policymaking.

The New Yorker

The Human-centred technology design is considered as a typical instance of invention able to become a widely diffused innovation replacing the machine-centred one.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The appointment, and indeed his highlighting of the issue, may be a typical instance of Cameron guile, but that does not vitiate its value.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The refusal of one country to enforce the penal laws of another (supra, pp. 413—414) is a typical example of an instance when a court will not entertain a cause of action arising in another jurisdiction.

Cornell University

The humiliating Corsair affair, from this distance a tawdry and typical instance of provincial mentality cutting a local eminence down to size, worked in Kierkegaard like a religious poison.

The New Yorker

In one typical instance, a brief paragraph tells us what bits of pipe Reta has been polishing and where she plans to dust tomorrow.

The Guardian - Books

As much as this may look like your typical instance of a privileged American student's being humbled by real poverty and suffering -- and in some ways it is -- Vida doesn't lay it out for us as such.

The New York Times - Books

In the typical instance, those charges amounted to $9.99 a month and recurred indefinitely, showing up on a consumer's bill "with abbreviated and uninformative descriptions".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a typical instance" to introduce an example that accurately represents a broader pattern or phenomenon. This helps clarify abstract concepts for your audience.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a typical instance" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a common example" or "usually" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a typical instance" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a subject complement or an adjectival phrase introducing an example. It is used to identify or describe something as a representative or common case, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a typical instance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves to introduce a representative example. As Ludwig AI highlights, its function is to exemplify or illustrate a broader point. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for news, academic writing, and professional communications. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable. When using this phrase, ensure that the instance you provide genuinely represents the pattern you're describing. Understanding these subtleties helps writers to use language effectively and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common example

Focuses on the frequency of occurrence rather than representativeness.

a representative case

Emphasizes that the example is a good representation of a broader category.

a standard example

Implies that the example is a widely recognized or accepted illustration.

a characteristic example

Highlights the features that are most typical of the subject.

a prime example

Suggests that the instance is one of the best or most obvious of its kind.

a textbook case

Refers to an example that is so clear and well-defined that it could be used in education.

a case in point

Introduces an example that directly supports or illustrates a previous statement.

a usual suspect

Colloquial expression referring to someone or something that is commonly associated with a negative situation.

a garden-variety instance

Denotes a commonplace example lacking distinctive features.

a run-of-the-mill case

Highlights the ordinary or unremarkable nature of the example.

FAQs

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

Use "a typical instance" to introduce a specific example that represents a general trend or common situation. For example, "The rise in remote work is "a typical instance" of how technology is reshaping modern work environments."

What are some alternatives to "a typical instance"?

You can use alternatives such as "a common example", "a representative case", or "a standard example" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a typical instance" or "a typical example"?

Both phrases are correct and generally interchangeable. ""a typical instance"" might sound slightly more formal, while "a typical example" is more common in everyday language.

When is it not appropriate to use "a typical instance"?

Avoid using ""a typical instance"" in very informal settings or when describing something highly unique or unusual. In those cases, simpler or more descriptive phrases may be more suitable.