an earlier instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an earlier instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous occurrence or example of something in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In an earlier instance, we observed that the results were significantly different from what we expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

However, there is an earlier instance of a blind governor.

The New Yorker

Ms. Weiner was appalled – especially because she recalled an earlier instance in which Mr. Goldman had asked a female celebrity, though jokingly, if she had used her body to boost her career.

The New York Times

He cited an earlier instance in Wednesday's match when the ball was rolled so slowly towards the Swansea goalkeeper for a goal-kick that Gerhard Tremmel had to meet it halfway.

The Guardian - Sport

The PC ecosystem based on Intel chips and Microsoft software was an earlier instance.

Journal of Organization Design

Authorities on Friday said they were familiar with Stewart from an earlier instance when he made threats against Penn State University assistant football coach Mike McQueary.

Huffington Post

The source for this is the Oxford English Dictionary, but of course there may be an earlier instance of the word which is yet to be discovered.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This was an early instance of Alan recognising, nurturing and celebrating gastronomic talent.

The Guardian

Born in 1688, Drummond was an early instance of the tireless urban administrator; the Joseph Chamberlain or Robert Moses of his age.

The Guardian

In an early instance, Mr. Singer helped Richard Pryor recover fees paid to David Franklin, his manager at the time.

The New York Times

In a way, it was an early instance of radical chic: the Transcendentalists preferred a real man to a squabbling set of Mrs. Jellybys.

The New Yorker

Karlheinz Stockhausen strictly schematized and rigorously controlled pitches, intensities and durations in "Kreuzspiel" ("Crossplay"), an early instance of total serialism from 1951.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an earlier instance" when you want to refer back to a specific situation or example that occurred before the one currently being discussed, adding depth and context to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "an earlier instance" repeatedly within a short span of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a previous occurrence" or "a prior example" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an earlier instance" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a particular occurrence that happened previously. It serves to connect the current discussion to a related event or example from the past. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to reference previous events in news or academic writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an earlier instance" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered phrase used to refer to a previous occurrence or example. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific and encyclopedic contexts, serving to provide context and comparison. While effective, it's advisable to vary your language and avoid overuse by exploring alternatives such as "a previous occurrence" or "a prior example". Using this phrase correctly can add depth and clarity to your writing by referencing relevant past events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a previous occurrence

Replaces "instance" with "occurrence", emphasizing the event's happening.

a prior example

Substitutes "instance" with "example", highlighting its role as a representative case.

a former case

Uses "case" instead of "instance", which can suit legal or investigatory contexts.

a preceding event

Replaces "instance" with "event", focusing on the temporal sequence.

a prior situation

Emphasizes the circumstances surrounding the event, rather than the event itself.

a foregoing example

Uses "foregoing" for a more formal tone, indicating something mentioned previously.

a historical precedent

Implies the earlier instance sets a pattern or justification for future actions.

a pre-existing case

Highlights the fact that the instance existed before the current one.

a preliminary incident

Suggests the instance was an initial event leading to further developments.

an initial demonstration

Implies that the "earlier instance" served as a first showcase or example of something.

FAQs

How can I use "an earlier instance" in a sentence?

You can use "an earlier instance" to refer back to a previous example or event to provide context or comparison. For example, "In "an earlier instance", similar results were observed."

What's a good alternative to "an earlier instance"?

Alternatives include "a previous occurrence", "a prior example", or "a former case", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to use "an earlier instance" and then immediately describe it?

While not grammatically incorrect, it can sometimes be more concise to simply introduce the earlier example directly without explicitly stating "an earlier instance". This depends on the overall flow and clarity of your writing.

What's the difference between "an earlier instance" and "a later instance"?

"An earlier instance" refers to something that happened before the current topic, while "a later instance" refers to something that happened after. They provide opposite temporal references within a discussion.