at separate instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at separate instances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to occurrences that happen independently or at different times. Example: "The issue was reported at separate instances throughout the week, indicating a recurring problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Parallel applications run as separate instances on multiple cluster members.

TruCluster Server Handbook

Videos of the two men (in separate instances), have solidified the claims and horrified millions.

Huffington Post

In two separate instances, teams working at two operative sites considered themselves as a unified team with a single Clinical Director resulting in 15 individual teams.

BMC Oral Health

Cassandra Searles and Samantha Holvey, former beauty contestants, have described separate instances of Trump leering at them and "checking everyone out" backstage.

The New Yorker

In three separate instances, drivers of snow-clearing vehicles were shot at when they collided with other vehicles; one of the drivers, shot by an off-duty police officer, died.

The New Yorker

This is emphasized by the sharing of cytologically identical breakpoints between at least two different (and presumably independent) inversions, of which there were 21 separate instances, particularly involving subdivisions 14D-15A and 16D-17B (Table S2).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In late 2017, at the height of the #MeToo movement, the actor was made to apologize for two separate instances in which he groped women on camera in the early aughts.

The New Yorker

It also reveals two separate instances of incest (one sibling, one inter-generational).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The wildlife charity hopes the review of the hazard classification of the substance - found on seabirds in two separate instances between January and May - will lead to a ban on discharges at sea.

BBC

Three separate instances of poisoning in Indonesia involved 18 people, 14 of which died.

Wikipedia

Use the Diablo shortcuts you created to start up separate instances of Diablo III!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at separate instances", ensure the context clearly indicates that the events or situations are distinct and not directly related to each other. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "at separate instances" can sound somewhat stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "on different occasions" or "at various times" to maintain a natural flow in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at separate instances" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the timing or circumstances of an action or event. While grammatically sound, Ludwig indicates the expression is rare.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at separate instances" is grammatically correct but rarely used in contemporary English. Ludwig indicates that while understandable, simpler and more common alternatives such as "on different occasions" or "in separate cases" are often preferred. The phrase functions as a prepositional modifier, emphasizing the distinct and independent nature of events. Given its infrequent usage, writers should carefully consider whether a more common alternative would better suit their intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on different occasions

Replaces "instances" with "occasions", focusing on the timing of the events.

in separate cases

Substitutes "instances" with "cases", highlighting individual situations or events.

at various times

Emphasizes the different points in time at which the events occur.

in distinct situations

Replaces "separate" with "distinct" and "instances" with "situations", stressing the uniqueness of each event.

on individual occasions

Highlights the individuality of each occasion.

in isolated incidents

Focuses on the isolated nature of each incident.

at discrete moments

Emphasizes the distinct and individual moments in time.

in unconnected events

Stresses the lack of connection between the events.

at non-overlapping times

Highlights that the events did not occur simultaneously.

in disparate circumstances

Indicates the varying conditions surrounding each event.

FAQs

How can I use "at separate instances" in a sentence?

While the phrase "at separate instances" is grammatically sound, it's rarely used. Consider using more common alternatives such as "on different occasions" or "at various times" depending on the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "at separate instances"?

You can use alternatives like "on different occasions", "in separate cases", or "at various times" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at separate instances" or "on separate occasions"?

"On separate occasions" is generally preferred as it's more common and sounds more natural. "At separate instances" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "at separate instances" and "in separate incidents"?

"At separate instances" refers to occurrences at different times or situations, while "in separate incidents" emphasizes the distinct and often unplanned nature of each event. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the timing or the event itself.