an early instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an early instance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific occurrence or example that happened early in a timeline or sequence. Example: "This report highlights an early instance of the technology being implemented in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

It was an early instance of Cowell's tenacity in bringing to the outside world largely unreported stories.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

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

The New York Times

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

It would not be amiss to call him the West's first populist, and his speech an early instance of negative campaigning.

The New Yorker

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

I used the example of Logo, an innovation introduced into schools in the early 1980's as an earlier instance of school reformers as "true believers" in teaching coding to children.

The Washington Post

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

The New Yorker

This history will speak to an earlier instance where Cold War tensions undergirded an ideological struggle played out in villages and across rice paddies through land reform and high-yield crop varieties.

University of California, Berkeley

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an early instance", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the instance is early in relation to. Providing this context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an early instance" when you actually mean the first try at something that may not have been successful. "An early instance" implies a successful occurrence that sets a precedent, not merely an attempt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an early instance" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific occurrence or example that is among the first of its kind. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, showcasing its role in introducing or highlighting initial occurrences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an early instance" is a phrase used to denote one of the first occurrences or examples of something, often setting a precedent or illustrating the initial stages of a development. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is correct across various domains, notably in news, encyclopedias, and science. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the instance is early in relation to. Avoid mistaking it for a mere attempt, as "an early instance" implies a successful and precedent-setting event. Consider alternatives like "a preliminary example" or "an initial case" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial case

Highlights that it is the very first occurrence or example in a series of events or instances.

a preliminary example

Focuses on the aspect of being a test case or initial demonstration, emphasizing the trial nature of the event.

an originating example

Points out that it is the source from which similar examples derive.

a pioneering occurrence

Stresses the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the event, marking it as a first of its kind.

a primary illustration

Highlights its role as an inaugural depiction or explanation of a concept.

a nascent manifestation

Emphasizes the beginning and developmental stage of the instance, suggesting it is just emerging.

an introductory demonstration

Suggests that the instance is used to present or showcase something for the first time.

a formative episode

Indicates that the instance played a significant role in shaping future developments or outcomes.

a mother instance

Emphasizes the instance as a starting source of a phenomenon.

a precedent-setting event

Highlights its potential to establish a standard or guide for future similar situations.

FAQs

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

Use "an early instance" to refer to a specific occurrence that is one of the first or a notable initial example of something. For example: "The introduction of the printing press was "an early instance" of mass communication."

What can I say instead of "an early instance"?

You can use alternatives like "a preliminary example", "an initial case", or "a nascent manifestation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "an early instance" and "a first instance"?

"An early instance" suggests one of the initial occurrences, implying there might be others soon after, whereas "a first instance" emphasizes uniqueness and the absolute beginning of something. They are not always interchangeable.

When is it inappropriate to use "an early instance"?

Avoid using "an early instance" if the occurrence you are describing was not successful or did not lead to further similar events. In such cases, terms like "initial attempt" or "preliminary effort" might be more accurate.