at the instance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the instance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an action is taken at the request or suggestion of someone else. Example: "The contract was signed at the instance of the legal advisor to ensure compliance with regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was imprisoned, and, at the instance of Torella, set free.

Columbia University

The MCIT is a critical strain energy density at the instance of initiation of micro-crack.

Construction and Building Materials

only at the instance of one who is himself immediately harmed, or immediately threatened with harm, by the challenged action.

Cornell University

The case comes up at the instance of the United States, on certificate of this division of opinion.

Cornell University

He did this at the instance of Centorino; and in his behalf it is claimed he acted innocently and without knowledge of the contents of the package.

Cornell University

That section authorizes review only of an 'order,' only if the order is 'final,' and only at the instance of one aggrieved 'by' the challenged order itself.

Cornell University

Both sets of actions are still pending, and it is alleged that they were brought at the instance of Bray and were really for his use and benefit.

Cornell University

Nor is the substance of the power changed because the President may act at the instance of trade or industrial associations having special knowledge of the facts.

Harvard University

An almost anecdote-free production, the autobiography was dismissed by Bradford as "unrevealing," a once-over-lightly job "written at the instance of the popular magazines".

The New Yorker

"That was strictly at the instance of my rice‐growers, who wanted to know what the facts were in respect to sales.

The New York Times

25] when the French government, at the instance of Vincent Auriol, Minister of Finance, decided to proceed to a readjustment in accord with London and Washington.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the instance of" to denote a formal or legal context where an action is taken because of a specific request or initiation by someone. It adds a layer of formality compared to simpler alternatives like "at the request of".

Common error

Avoid using "at the instance of" in informal contexts. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious in casual conversation or writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "because of" or "at the request of" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the instance of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating causation or initiation. It connects an action or event to the person or entity that prompted it, highlighting who or what was responsible for setting it in motion, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

35%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the instance of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action occurs due to someone's request or initiation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in academic, legal, and formal writing. While versatile, it is best suited for formal contexts, as using it in informal settings may sound overly pretentious. Consider alternatives like "at the request of" or "because of" for more casual situations. The phrase is found across various authoritative sources, demonstrating its widespread acceptability and consistent application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the request of

Indicates an action taken because someone asked for it; more common and less formal.

at the instigation of

Similar to "at the instance of" but carries a slightly negative connotation, implying incitement or urging toward something questionable.

on behalf of

Suggests acting as a representative or advocate; emphasizes representation rather than direct causation.

due to the prompting of

Highlights that something occurred as a direct result of someone's encouragement or initiation; slightly more emphatic.

at someone's suggestion

Indicates that an action was taken following someone's recommendation.

upon the urging of

Emphasizes strong encouragement or persuasion leading to action; conveys a sense of insistence.

on the initiative of

Highlights the proactive role of someone in starting or setting something in motion; focuses on taking the first step.

through the agency of

Emphasizes the role of a person or entity as a means or instrument to achieve something.

by the intervention of

Highlights the act of someone coming between to affect an event or outcome.

as a result of someone's action

A more descriptive phrase, specifying that the outcome is a direct consequence of someone's actions.

FAQs

What does "at the instance of" mean?

The phrase "at the instance of" means something is done at the request or suggestion of someone. It indicates that an action or event occurred because someone prompted or initiated it.

When is it appropriate to use "at the instance of"?

It is appropriate to use "at the instance of" in formal or legal contexts. In casual settings, alternatives like "at the request of" or "because of" might be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "at the instance of"?

Some alternatives to "at the instance of" include "at the request of", "on behalf of", or "due to the prompting of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "at the instance of" compare to "at the instigation of"?

While both phrases indicate initiation, "at the instigation of" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that someone was incited to do something potentially harmful or questionable. "At the instance of" is more neutral, simply indicating a request or suggestion.