at this instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at this instance" is not correct in standard written English; the correct phrase is "at this moment" or "at this time." You can use it when referring to a specific point in time, but it is more common to use the correct alternatives.
Example: "At this moment, we are experiencing technical difficulties."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The colonel and his entourage, amused at this instance of mistaken identity, let him talk.

The New York Times

However, the channel is poor due to the large distance at this instance, and thus the transmission success rate is low.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

At this instance, melted glass was held together for a short time to close the glass tip and separated from the vacuum pump.

Nanoscale Research Letters

(i) For a dissipative DIHS (2.1) with supply rate and "energy" storage function, if or is negative during some time interval or at some time instance, then it implies that the "energy" of system will be decreasing during this period or at this instance.

Advances in Difference Equations

Examination of the child at this instance revealed bilateral cervical (2 cm) and left side inguinal (3 cm) lymph nodes, and non tender hepatomegaly approximately 2 cm from the costal margin.

BMC Pediatrics

No information is provided on the extent of false-negative tests and the impact of the intervention on CRC incidence and mortality due to lack of long-term follow-up of the study population at this instance.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Overall, the results suggested that finite systems at criticality exhibit signatures of critical systems dynamics but do not (at least in this instance) exhibit exact power laws as had previously been suggested.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience (JMN)

The New York Times has, at least in this instance, failed that test.

The New York Times

The new study refutes that assertion, at least in this instance.

The New York Times - Science

And, at least in this instance, it would have been hard to argue that it didn't work.

The New Yorker

We do not, at least in this instance, face a choice between science and the liberal society.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using more common and accepted phrases like "at this moment" or "in this case" for clarity and better communication. While "at this instance" isn't strictly wrong, it may sound awkward or archaic to modern readers.

Common error

Avoid using "at this instance" repeatedly in your writing. Variety in expression improves readability and prevents your text from sounding stilted. Opt for alternatives like "at this time" or "in this situation" to add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at this instance" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a specific point in time or a particular situation. It serves to specify when or under what conditions something occurs, similar to adverbs of time or circumstance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically understandable, the phrase "at this instance" is considered an unusual choice in contemporary English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's more common to use alternatives like "at this moment" or "in this case" for improved clarity and style. Its occurrence is relatively infrequent, primarily appearing in scientific and news contexts. For best writing practices, opt for more conventional alternatives to avoid potential awkwardness or misinterpretations. It appears that its use may detract from conveying a message with maximum impact. Therefore, choose more standard and recognizable expressions for improved communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at this moment

Emphasizes a specific point in time, and is more commonly used.

at this time

Refers to a specific period or point in time, similar in meaning but more general than "at this moment".

in this case

Focuses on a particular situation or set of circumstances.

in this situation

Highlights the specific conditions or state of affairs being considered.

on this occasion

Indicates a specific event or happening.

under these circumstances

Highlights particular facts that affect a situation.

at this juncture

Implies a critical point or stage in a process.

for this reason

Focuses on the cause of a particular outcome or action.

as it stands

Refers to the current state of affairs.

at this stage

Points to a specific phase in a process or development.

FAQs

What does "at this instance" mean?

The phrase "at this instance" means "at this particular moment" or "in this specific case". However, it's less common than alternatives like "at this moment" or "in this case".

Is "at this instance" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "at this instance" is less common in modern English. According to Ludwig, it is better to use alternatives like "at this time" or "in this situation".

What can I say instead of "at this instance"?

You can use alternatives like "at this moment", "in this case", or "under these circumstances" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "at this instance" or "at this moment"?

"At this moment" is generally preferred and more widely accepted in contemporary English compared to "at this instance". While "at this instance" isn't wrong, it may sound less natural to native speakers.