a unique instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unique instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific occurrence that is one of a kind or not typical. Example: "This event is a unique instance in our history that we must document carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The result was a vigorous French Catholic movement, the Confédération des Travailleurs Catholiques du Canada, which stands as a unique instance of confessional unionism in North America.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In interviews, Ponsot has mentioned her Catholic faith, and she pays homage to the Catholic Hopkins, who endeavored (as she does) to see in each plant, each animal, each sort of weather, a unique instance of Providence: "Loft him Halo him / Prize him high, pen in hand," she tells Hopkins ("him" is God).

The New York Times - Books

Asymmetric facial cues are further separated in upper and lower ones depending on whether the upper or lower extreme has a unique instance describing it.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

However, "I syng of a mayden" is a unique instance of this lyric.

Wikipedia

Boesch (1991) reports a unique instance of such simple symbolic signals in wild chimpanzees.

Human Nature

The evolutionary history of the ALOG domain represents a unique instance of a domain, otherwise exclusively found in retroelements, being recruited as a specific transcription factor in the streptophyte lineage of plants.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In this case study of an unique instance, effects of medium-energy, high-focused extracorporeal generated shock waves (ESW) onto the skin and the underlying fat tissue of a cellulite afflicted, 50-year-old woman were investigated.

Clinical interventions in aging

In this one, and very unique instance, the US did it by going in to assist a democratically elected government against a dictator', the Secretary of State, Mr James Baker, claimed.

The Guardian

Goldfarb said that in the court proceedings this week, the judge seemed focused on a fair and open playing field, was aware of market risk and of the "good fortune" for shareholders in this unique instance, and hoped to maximize shareholder value.

Forbes

Only in this unique instance could the warrant requirement be waived.

Wikipedia

To help our understanding of the benefits of Giraff we coded each unique instance where the resident or their family used the video screen to encourage, interact in, and maintain a conversation by incorporating visual stimuli.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a unique instance" when you want to emphasize the singularity and distinctiveness of a particular event or occurrence. It's particularly effective in academic or scientific writing to highlight something that deviates from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "a unique instance" when a simpler phrase like "unique example" or "rare case" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique instance" functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify a specific occurrence that is distinct or one-of-a-kind. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a unique instance" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for denoting something singular and exceptional. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid and applicable in writing. While most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, its formality makes it suitable for professional and academic writing. When using this phrase, make sure it accurately reflects the singularity you intend to convey, and consider alternatives like "exceptional case" or "rare phenomenon" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional case

Emphasizes the rarity and deviation from the norm.

a singular occurrence

Highlights the fact that it happened only once.

a one-time event

Stresses the non-repeatable nature of the instance.

an isolated incident

Focuses on the separation and lack of connection to other events.

a rare phenomenon

Highlights the infrequency and unusual nature of the occurrence.

an unprecedented event

Emphasizes that there is no prior example of it happening.

a distinct situation

Highlights how the situation is clearly different from other situations.

a peculiar example

Highlights how the example is strange or unusual.

an uncommon manifestation

Highlights how something shows itself in an unusual manner.

an atypical situation

Highlights how the situation is not typical.

FAQs

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

You can use "a unique instance" to describe something that is the only one of its kind, such as, "This research finding represents "a unique instance" of this phenomenon occurring in nature."

What are some alternatives to "a unique instance"?

Some alternatives to "a unique instance" include "an exceptional case", "a singular occurrence", or "a rare phenomenon".

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

Both "a unique instance" and "a unique example" are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the context. "Instance" refers to a specific occurrence, while "example" refers to something that illustrates a general principle. Choose the word that best fits the specific meaning you intend to convey.

What's the difference between "a unique instance" and "a typical instance"?

"A unique instance" describes something that is unlike anything else, while "a typical instance" describes something that is representative or characteristic of a larger group. They are contrasting concepts used to highlight different aspects of an observation.