brief instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief instances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to short or fleeting moments or occurrences in various contexts, such as storytelling, reporting, or analysis. Example: "During the meeting, there were brief instances of confusion among the team members regarding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In rare (and brief) instances, justified by overwhelming historical interest, Mr. Scarduelli includes material from a seriously defective source.

The New York Times - Arts

And yet, despite his many flaws, he possessed a rabid, ungovernable ambition that in a few brief instances enabled him to transcend his limitations.

The New York Times - Books

The tape from radar approach control also captures three brief instances at about the time of the crash in which someone on the frequency appears to click on a microphone, but there are no intelligible words.

The New York Times

The F.C.C. said that it had filed a motion in the federal appeals court in New York, asking for 60 days to decide again whether the shows, which included brief instances of objectionable language, were indecent.

The New York Times

Hence, the physicians were sensitive to system downtime, but were able to cope with those few and brief instances.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In that brief instance, "London Road" surges with feeling.

The New York Times - Arts

In a brief instance when it does wade into politics, "Too Hot Not to Handle" hears from a hybrid-car enthusiast who says it's conservative to conserve fuel.

The New York Times - Arts

Each image is composed of 10,000 photos of a brief instance.

Vice

"After this closure -- which the Judge explained was not occasioned by any actual spillage of classified information -- the unredacted transcript of what was said during this brief instance was released to the public in less than 48 hours.

Huffington Post

It says: the plywood Millenium Falcon was convincing enough to make me forget – at least for one brief instance – the trudging futility of my life, but that disbelief was suspended when I had to break a tenner just for a burger with salsa on it.

Vice

Sampling as an element of research method leads to sampling in a second sense: in many cases thesis work forms a brief instance of what operational public health action might be.

Africa

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief instances" when you want to emphasize that certain occurrences are short in duration and potentially infrequent.

Common error

While "brief instances" is a correct phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "fleeting moments" or "short durations" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief instances" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to occurrences that are both short in duration and limited in number. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brief instances" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to short and infrequent occurrences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, remember to consider synonyms such as "fleeting moments" or "short durations" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

momentary occurrences

Stresses the very short-lived nature of the instances.

fleeting moments

Emphasizes the transient nature of the occurrences.

passing instances

Suggests that the instances are not significant or prolonged.

short durations

Focuses on the length of time rather than the occurrence itself.

transient episodes

Highlights the temporary and changing nature of the events.

short periods

Highlights the limited timeframe involved.

short spells

Indicates a brief period during which something happens.

quick episodes

Implies distinct events that happen rapidly.

limited instances

Focuses on the scarcity and restricted number of occurrences.

small number of times

Expresses the idea using a more descriptive and less formal structure.

FAQs

How can I use "brief instances" in a sentence?

You can use "brief instances" to describe short or fleeting moments or occurrences. For example: "During the presentation, there were "brief instances" of technical difficulties."

What are some alternatives to "brief instances"?

Some alternatives to "brief instances" include "fleeting moments", "short durations", or "momentary occurrences".

Is "brief instances" formal or informal?

"Brief instances" can be used in both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. It is generally considered neutral in tone.

What does "brief instances" mean?

"Brief instances" refers to short or fleeting moments or occurrences. It implies that something happens for a short period of time or on a few occasions.