an instance in which

USAGE SUMMARY

"an instance in which" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an example of something that has already been discussed or is already known. For example: "This is an instance in which our policies must be followed strictly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This was an instance in which it proved successful.

The New York Times - Sports

Surprisingly, the intelligence report does not consider an instance in which the disease does not reappear.

The New York Times - Science

"But we can see an instance in which this becomes a potential threat".

The New York Times

But this is an instance in which playing power politics offers the United States tremendous upside.

The New York Times

Halftime of Sunday's game was not an instance in which he deemed it necessary.

The New York Times - Sports

In 25 minutes, write a scintillating essay on an instance in which geometry touched your life in an emotional way.

The New York Times

Ms. Velázquez was asked by the moderator to describe an instance in which she "broke with a political establishment".

The New York Times

And perhaps then we could usefully define the opposite of a recession: an instance in which demand rises above potential.

The Economist

Mrs. Clinton's campaign responded by citing a news report of an instance in which a builder who contributed $5,000 to Mr. Lazio's campaign was in tax arrears.

The New York Times

The lecture was itself an instance in which a woman's voice was resoundingly heard, as Beard acknowledged from her privileged place behind the lectern.

The New Yorker

Select an instance in which the public felt let down by a government agency, such as the Environmental Protection Agency's response to air quality at Ground Zero.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an instance in which", ensure that the following clause provides a clear and concise description of the example. Avoid ambiguity by being specific and providing sufficient context.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "an instance in which" can sometimes sound overly formal. In less formal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "when" or "where" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an instance in which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a relative clause. It serves to specify a particular situation, case, or example that illustrates a broader point. Ludwig AI shows its utility across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an instance in which" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce specific examples or situations to illustrate a broader point. It is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, consider using simpler alternatives in less formal writing to maintain a natural tone. Alternatives such as ""a case where"" or "a situation in which" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a case where

Replaces "instance" with "case" and "in which" with "where", simplifying the phrasing.

a situation in which

Substitutes "instance" with "situation", emphasizing the circumstances involved.

an occasion when

Uses "occasion" instead of "instance", highlighting a specific time or event.

an example where

Replaces "instance" with "example", directly indicating a specific illustration.

a scenario in which

Uses "scenario" to describe a hypothetical or real situation.

a time when

Simplifies the phrase to refer to a specific point in time.

a circumstance where

Emphasizes the specific conditions or facts related to the situation.

a context where

Highlights the surrounding circumstances or environment of an event.

a situation whereby

Replaces "in which" with "whereby", indicating the means or process by which something happens.

a moment when

Focuses on a particular point in time within a larger event.

FAQs

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

Use "an instance in which" to introduce a specific example or situation that demonstrates a more general point. For example, "This is "a case where" careful planning is essential."

What are some alternatives to "an instance in which"?

You can use phrases like ""a case where"", "a situation in which", or "a time when" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

Is it better to use "in which" or "where" after "instance"?

Both "in which" and "where" are grammatically correct. "In which" is generally considered more formal, while "where" can be more direct. The best choice depends on the overall tone and style of your writing. Using ""a case where"" is acceptable.

How does "an instance in which" differ from "for example"?

"An instance in which" introduces a specific situation or event, while "for example" introduces a more general illustration. "An instance in which" provides more specific contextual information.