a well-known instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a well-known instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely recognized example or case of something, often in discussions or analyses. Example: "The theory of evolution is supported by a well-known instance of natural selection observed in the Galápagos finches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She cited a well-known instance in which a tip from American intelligence helped thwart a potential terrorist attack in Germany.

The New York Times

A well-known instance of this is the so-called matching behavior [27].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

KNN is a well-known instance-based classification algorithm[26], which does not make any assumptions on the underlying data distribution.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

In one well-known instance, doctors at a community hospital in Redding, Calif., owned by Tenet Healthcare were accused of defrauding Medicare by performing unnecessary heart operations on hundreds of healthy patients.

The New York Times

It also said the reporting of suspected crimes had been strongly hampered by a "code of silence" among the clergy which had seen those who dared to break it "ostracised, demoted and fired", and cited one well-known instance from 2001 in which a bishop was in effect congratulated for having kept to it.

The Guardian

One well-known instance is the casting of lots by Roman guards (which in all likelihood meant that they threw knucklebones) for the garment of Jesus during the Crucifixion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One well-known instance of this process is the fractured fairy tale "Ladle Rat Rotten Hut" ("Little Red Riding Hood"), and Luis d'Antin Van Rooten played this game brilliantly and bilingually in a book called "Mots d'Heures: Gousses, Rames" ("Mother Goose Rhymes").

The New York Times - Books

In order to present the method and examine its convergence properties we use the well-known instance of the two-level atom line formation with complete frequency redistribution.

Advances in Space Research

He even clashed with Orthodox Jews in one well-known instance: The religious Jews he met on his trek around Europe would not let themselves be photographed, quoting the Bible and its prohibition of making of graven images.

Wikipedia

One well-known instance of this process in mammals is male-male competition for sexual access to females, which has resulted in a diverse array of characters important for males in conflict situations [ 12, 13].

BMC Biology

However, for a number of well-known instances of network topologies with one-step diagnosability being τ, their one-step diagnosability cannot be further increased only when some node happens to have exactly τ faulty neighbors and no normal neighbor.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a well-known instance" when you want to refer to an example that is widely recognized and understood by your audience. This phrase is effective for providing context and grounding your argument in shared knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "a well-known instance" as a substitute for providing specific details. While the phrase suggests familiarity, ensure that your audience actually knows the instance you're referencing or provide enough context for them to understand its relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a well-known instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a specific example that is generally recognized. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a well-known instance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to refer to a widely recognized example or case. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts. It is employed across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias, with a neutral register. For alternative expressions, consider "a famous example" or "a widely recognized case". Remember to ensure that the instance you refer to is indeed well-known or provide sufficient context for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a famous example

Replaces "well-known" with "famous", indicating widespread recognition.

a widely recognized case

Substitutes "instance" with "case" and "well-known" with "widely recognized", emphasizing broad acknowledgment.

a notable occurrence

Uses "notable" instead of "well-known" and "occurrence" in place of "instance", suggesting importance.

a prominent example

Replaces "well-known" with "prominent", focusing on the example's significance or visibility.

a classic illustration

Substitutes "instance" with "illustration" and "well-known" with "classic", implying a standard or typical example.

a typical case

Uses "typical" to highlight that it's representative or common.

a prime example

Emphasizes the example's excellence or suitability using "prime".

a common situation

Focuses on the frequency of the situation rather than its notability.

a recognized phenomenon

Shifts the focus to the fact being an observed reality.

a noted incident

Uses "noted" instead of "well-known" and "incident" to indicate something that has been observed or recorded.

FAQs

What does "a well-known instance" mean?

The phrase "a well-known instance" refers to an example, event, or case that is widely recognized or familiar to many people. It suggests that the example is not obscure or unique, but rather something commonly understood.

How can I use "a well-known instance" in a sentence?

You can use "a well-known instance" to introduce a common example that supports your argument or provides context. For example, "The theory of evolution is supported by "natural selection", a well-known instance of adaptation in species".

What are some alternatives to "a well-known instance"?

Alternatives to "a well-known instance" include phrases like "a famous example", "a widely recognized case", or "a notable occurrence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a well-known example" or "a well-known instance"?

Both "a well-known example" and "a well-known instance" are acceptable. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific context. "Instance" may be slightly more formal, while "example" is more common and generally applicable.