an unusual instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unusual instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific occurrence that is not typical or expected. Example: "The scientist noted that the discovery of a new species in the urban area was an unusual instance in her research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The reported inquiry is an unusual instance where the SEC has opened an inquiry into possible disclosure violations of a company without securities listed in the United States.

Columbia University

Finra's sanctions against Mr. Lerner individually also are an unusual instance of a regulator taking action against the head of a brokerage, industry lawyers say.

The New York Times

For Mr. Obama, who has rarely talked about race, this was an unusual instance of openly addressing an issue of deep concern to African-Americans.

The New York Times

It is, however, an unusual instance of old-school legerdemain in an era when mixologists have made an effort to be more scrupulous about cocktail history.

The New York Times - Food

The deal will see the bank use Zopa's platform to find suitable borrowers, in an unusual instance of a bank outsourcing its credit decisions to a third party.

The Telegraph

In an unusual instance of self-criticism, a well-known Hamas official has deplored the collapse of Gazan life into chaos and has said that much of the blame belongs to Palestinians themselves.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

He described the contamination as "an extremely unusual instance", adding that a detailed investigation was already under way.

The Guardian

Almost immediately we were told that this was not a rare, unusual instance of human misery and degradation, but rather a widespread phenomenon.

The Guardian - Opinion

The incident appears to be a highly unusual instance of art being stolen for political ends.

The New York Times

The production is directed by Eustis, in a relatively unusual instance of the artistic director making his own artistic statement.

The New Yorker

For example, a case study of plaintiffs' lawyers artificially inflating silicosis cases fails to mention that this was a highly unusual instance for which the offending lawyers were issued sanctions for their transgressions.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unusual instance" when you want to highlight that a specific event or case is not typical or common. This phrase adds emphasis and can draw attention to something noteworthy.

Common error

While "an unusual instance" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "a rare occurrence" or "an atypical example" to maintain clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unusual instance" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific occurrence that deviates from what is considered normal or typical. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

28%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unusual instance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes an event or situation deviating from the norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. Its purpose is to highlight something exceptional, prompting further attention. While versatile, it's advisable to consider synonyms like "a rare occurrence" or "an atypical example" to prevent overuse, especially in formal contexts. The phrase sees common usage in "News & Media", "Academia" and "Science".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rare occurrence

Emphasizes the infrequency of the event.

an exceptional case

Highlights the deviation from the norm in a positive way.

an atypical example

Focuses on the non-standard nature of the example.

an uncommon event

Stresses the infrequency of the happening.

a peculiar situation

Suggests the situation is odd or strange.

an odd occurrence

Implies the event is strange or unexpected.

an extraordinary situation

Highlights how remarkable the situation is.

an isolated incident

Points out that the incident is singular and not part of a pattern.

a singular instance

Emphasizes the unique nature of the instance.

a deviation from the norm

Focuses on the departure from what is typical.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unusual instance" to describe a situation that deviates from the norm. For example, "The patient's rapid recovery was "an unusual instance" of the disease resolving without intervention."

What phrases are similar to "an unusual instance"?

Similar phrases include "a rare occurrence", "an exceptional case", or "an atypical example". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unusual instance" or "rare instance"?

Both "unusual instance" and "rare instance" are correct, but "rare instance" emphasizes the infrequency, while "unusual instance" highlights the atypical nature of the event. Use the one that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

What does "an unusual instance" imply?

"An unusual instance" implies that the situation is not typical or expected, often suggesting it is noteworthy or requires further attention. It signals that something deviates from the normal pattern.