a typical instance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a typical instance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common example or occurrence of a particular phenomenon or situation. Example: "This case serves as a typical instance of how miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

This was a typical instance of Howes seizing an opening.

The Guardian

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

Both players were brought out to face the media with Lagerback on Friday and there was a typical instance of self-deprecation when the affable Bjarnason offered to swap shirts with Wayne Rooney "if he asks me".

The Guardian - Sport

In a typical instance of tone-deafness from the Clinton camp, its national co-chairman, the former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack, said of Oprah, "I'm not sure who watches her".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It is possible that, although languages differ in the number of basic colour categories that they distinguish, there is a limited number of hierarchically ordered basic colour categories from which each language makes its selection and that what counts as a typical instance, or focus, of these universal colour categories is fixed and does not vary from one language to another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

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

Yale University

Historian H. M. Walbrook wrote in 1921 that Pinafore "satirizes the type of nautical drama of which Douglas Jerrold's Black-Eyed Susan is a typical instance, and the 'God's Englishman' sort of patriotism which consists in shouting a platitude, striking an attitude, and doing little or nothing to help one's country".

Wikipedia

Here we revisit one of these models, random regular NAE-SAT: knowing the satisfiability threshold, it is natural to study, in the satisfiable regime, the number of solutions in a typical instance.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to emphasize the uniqueness or superiority of an example, consider alternatives like "a prime example of" or "a notable instance of".

Common error

While "a typical instance of" is generally acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "a common example" or "a representative case" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a typical instance of" functions as a determiner phrase introducing a noun phrase that serves as an example. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a typical instance of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that introduces a representative example of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for describing common occurrences across various contexts. While versatile, varying your language by using alternatives like "a common example of" or "a representative case of" can enhance your writing style and prevent overuse. The phrase is frequently used in News & Media, Science and Academia, but is less common in encyclopedias or formal writing, and it serves to ground abstract discussions with concrete, relatable instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common example of

Focuses on the frequency of the example, suggesting it occurs often.

a representative case of

Emphasizes that the example accurately reflects the characteristics of a larger group or category.

a standard illustration of

Highlights the role of the example as a way to clarify or explain a concept.

a classic example of

Suggests the example is well-known and embodies the key features of the concept.

a prime example of

Implies the example is particularly good or noteworthy.

a textbook case of

Indicates the example is a perfect and clear-cut illustration, often used in academic contexts.

a frequent occurrence of

Shifts the focus to the event or situation happening regularly.

a usual manifestation of

Describes how something typically appears or is demonstrated.

a general pattern of

Highlights the existence of a recurring trend or behavior.

a characteristic display of

Focuses on the qualities or traits that are typically shown.

FAQs

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

You can use "a typical instance of" to introduce a common or representative example of something. For instance, "The company's restructuring is "a typical instance of" a larger trend in the industry".

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

Some alternatives include "a common example of", "a representative case of", or "a standard illustration of", which can add variety to your writing.

Is there a difference between "a typical instance of" and "a classic example of"?

"A typical instance of" refers to something that commonly occurs, while "a classic example of" suggests something is well-known and representative. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize frequency or representativeness.

When is it best to use "a typical instance of" in writing?

It's best to use "a typical instance of" when you want to introduce an example that is widely recognized or commonly observed. This phrase is useful for providing context and helping your audience understand a concept or trend.