as a rare instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a rare instance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an unusual or infrequent occurrence in a specific context. Example: "As a rare instance, the committee decided to approve the proposal without further revisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The Lehman bankruptcy stands out as a rare instance when the government did not step in.

The New York Times

Matthew Smith points to Finland as a rare instance of a country moving in the other direction.

Independent

This was largely received as a rare instance a bipartisan support for a purely symbolic gesture, aimed at promoting gender equality in the military.

The Guardian

Some American officials saluted what they saw as a rare instance of cooperation in 25 years of enmity between Washington and Tehran -- even if the Iranians intended to extend Iran's influence as well as broker a peace.

The New York Times

But private-sector analysts who have reviewed the malicious software see the attack as a rare instance in which a hacking incident involving an industrial control system has affected ordinary citizens.

The Washington Post

This episode perhaps deserves to rank as a rare instance in which moral scruple, or at least a qualm about what the rest of the Greek world might consider unacceptable, determined a foreign policy decision by Sparta.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

To me, this isn't politics as usual but a rare instance of a political party causing deliberate economic and national security damage in hopes of gaining leverage on another issue.

The New York Times

It struck me as brilliant -- a rare instance of justice from teachers, many of whom proclaim, "Life isn't fair" on a regular basis.

Huffington Post

They are in bed with the big boys of American capitalism, and the fact that a non-profit group such as AHF won is a rare instance in this country of David beating Goliath.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reich, who ends his book with Rockefeller's first electoral victory, offers rich detail about such subjects as Nelson's years at the progressive Lincoln School, in Manhattan, where his relationship with a classmate, a "frisky, alluring ash-blonde" who had "a formidable reputation as the class flirt," was a rare instance of adolescent rebellion, and an occasion for parental alarm.

The New Yorker

I never finished the fifth season of "Justified," in part because Michael Rappaport's role as a backwoods gangster was a rare instance of the show's casting going awry.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes what the typical or expected scenario is, so the reader understands why the instance is considered rare.

Common error

Avoid using "as a rare instance" too frequently in your writing. Overuse diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound repetitive or contrived. Reserve it for truly exceptional situations to maintain its emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a rare instance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by indicating the infrequency or exceptional nature of the event being described. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to highlight something unusual.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

21%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a rare instance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the infrequency or exceptional nature of an event. As Ludwig AI states, it's considered correct and usable in written English. It appears most commonly in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates what the norm is, making the rare instance stand out. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the rare occasion

Highlights the infrequency of the event.

in the uncommon event

Emphasizes the unusual nature of the occurrence.

in a few exceptional cases

Focuses on a small number of instances that deviate from the norm.

as an infrequent example

Underscores the lack of commonality.

as an atypical occurrence

Emphasizes the deviation from the typical pattern.

in a singular situation

Stresses the uniqueness of the circumstances.

as a unique situation

Emphasizes the one-of-a-kind nature of the event.

as a solitary case

Highlights the isolated nature of the instance.

in isolated circumstances

Focuses on the specific conditions that make the instance unusual.

in the odd instance

Suggests a slight strangeness or peculiarity.

FAQs

How can I use "as a rare instance" in a sentence?

You can use "as a rare instance" to introduce an example that deviates from the typical or expected scenario. For example, "As a rare instance, the company decided to publicly apologize for the error".

What can I say instead of "as a rare instance"?

You can use alternatives like "on the rare occasion", "in a few exceptional cases", or "in the uncommon event" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "as a rare instance" or "rarely"?

"As a rare instance" tends to be slightly more formal than simply saying "rarely". It is suitable for formal writing, reports, and presentations, while "rarely" is acceptable in most contexts.

What is the difference between "as a rare instance" and "as an exception"?

"As a rare instance" emphasizes the infrequency of the situation, while "as an exception" focuses on the deviation from a rule or norm. They are similar, but "as an exception" implies a specific rule is being broken or not followed.