an instance happens when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an instance happens when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific occurrence or situation that takes place under certain conditions. Example: "An instance happens when the temperature drops below freezing, causing water to turn into ice."

✓ Grammatically correct

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What, for instance, happens when disconnected bacteria build up in the body?

The New York Times

This could for instance happen when a mother had been denied referral from a telenurse.

BMC Health Services Research

Another instance happened when UPS had not yet delivered their gifts one Christmas Eve during a snowstorm.

Huffington Post

Let X, Y be compact complex manifolds, which are either Kähler, or such that the (d d^c) lemma holds for them (as for instance it happens when X is bimeromorphic to a cKM).

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

For instance, what happens when families become used to getting handouts?

The New York Times

There are worse times; for instance, when a family crisis happens, when there is a death, when there is a health crisis, not to mention when the family is fighting.

Forbes

For instance, consider what happens when there is a report in Muslim media of an air strike by Western forces killing civilians.

Huffington Post

Sarah Reed's case is just the most brutal instance of what happens when people who need psychiatric are put in prisons that are not there to help people, they are there to punish people.

The Guardian

For instance, a violation of CM1 happens when f+1 servers detect that a client c submitted a transaction with an invalid sequence number.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The plight of heroines such as Lucia or Amina in La Somnambula she saw as cautionary instances of what happens when the boundaries of truth and illusion become blurred.

The Telegraph

And the 'infantry' in this instance would be an analog for what happens when someone is physically all over you and controlling your body.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically sound, consider using more common and natural phrasing such as "a situation occurs when" or "this happens when" for improved clarity and readability.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject is acted upon, which can make your writing sound weak. Instead of "an instance happens when...", try restructuring to emphasize the active element: "a situation arises when..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an instance happens when" functions as a relative clause, introducing a condition or circumstance under which a particular event or situation occurs. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct but could benefit from more natural phrasing alternatives.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an instance happens when" is a grammatically correct but somewhat awkward phrase used to describe a condition or circumstance that leads to a specific event. Ludwig reports that while technically sound, the phrase could benefit from more natural and common phrasing alternatives like "a situation arises when" or "this happens when". Its usage is relatively infrequent across various contexts. Therefore, while it is understandable, writers should consider using alternative phrases for improved clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a situation arises when

Replaces "instance" with "situation" and restructures the sentence slightly for a more natural flow.

a case occurs when

Substitutes "instance" with "case" to denote a specific occurrence or example.

it occurs when

Simplifies the phrase by removing "an instance" and directly stating the occurrence.

this happens when

Replaces "an instance" with "this" to refer to a preceding event or condition.

it arises when

Uses "arises" instead of "happens" for a slightly more formal tone.

an event occurs when

Replaces "instance" with "event" to emphasize a specific occurrence.

circumstances dictate that

Shifts the focus to the circumstances that lead to the event, rather than the instance itself.

the situation unfolds when

Uses "unfolds" to suggest a gradual development or revelation of the situation.

a scenario develops where

Emphasizes the creation or emergence of a particular scenario.

the occasion arises when

Highlights the specific occasion or opportunity when something happens.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "an instance happens when"?

You can use alternatives like "a situation arises when", "a case occurs when", or "this happens when" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "an instance happens when" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "an instance happens when" might sound somewhat awkward in formal writing. Consider using more sophisticated phrasing or rephrasing the sentence for better clarity and impact.

How can I make the phrase "an instance happens when" sound more natural?

Try replacing "an instance happens when" with phrases like "it occurs when" or "it arises when" to achieve a more natural flow in your writing.

What is the difference between "an instance happens when" and "a situation arises when"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "a situation arises when" generally sounds more natural and is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.