but for instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but for instances" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misphrasing; the correct expression is "but for instance." Example: "I enjoy many outdoor activities, but for instance, hiking is my favorite."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But for instances of sharp disagreement, the dean will most likely convene the entire admissions committee, with the vote of the majority deciding.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Any reduction of the BUT, for instance by exposure to a chemical, needs to be counteracted by an "extra eyeblink".

Archives of Toxicology

But for instance, I haven't seen a lot of what's on HBO right now.

The New York Times

But, for instance, I loved 'Moneyball,' by Michael Lewis, and I'm not even that big a baseball fan".

The New York Times - Books

But, for instance, the thing about old people staying in "homes" away from home blew my mind.

The New Yorker

But for instance, in Europe we are 28 right now, but 18 with Latvia that will be on board next January, with the same currency.

The New York Times

But, for instance, the strike by Aslef involving tube drivers was absolutely a strike that was supported more than adequately, according to the thresholds we are introducing".

The Guardian

"But, for instance, I did four volumes of social commentary – about the end of the cold war – that weren't really SF.

The Guardian - Books

Not that there's any lack of substance to comedy, but — for instance — I'm grateful that, from Cary Grant, we have both "Bringing Up Baby" and "Notorious".

The New Yorker

But, for instance, if I was walking down the street, and my shadow separated from my body and started doing a funky, downbeat two-step.

The New Yorker

The Hawks had chances, but for instance drafted forward Marvin Williams over Deron Williams or Chris Paul with the second pick in the 2005 draft (the Bucks took center Andrew Bogut first).

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "but for instances". Instead, use the correct and more common phrase "but for instance" or other alternatives like "for example" or "such as".

Common error

The most common error is using the plural "instances" when a singular "instance" is required after "but for". Always use "but for instance" when introducing a single example.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but for instances" is intended to serve as a transitional phrase, introducing an example or specific case to support a previous statement. However, it's grammatically incorrect, as it should be "but for instance". Ludwig indicates that this phrasing is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but for instances" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct form is "but for instance". While the intention is to introduce an example, using the incorrect phrase undermines the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Instead, opt for alternatives like "for example", "such as", or the corrected "but for instance" to maintain grammatical accuracy and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but for instance

Corrects the grammatical error by using the singular form 'instance'.

for example

Offers a direct and widely accepted substitute.

such as

Provides a common alternative to introduce examples.

as an illustration

Presents a more formal way to introduce an example.

to illustrate

Functions similarly to "as an illustration" but is more concise.

for the sake of example

A longer, more emphatic way to introduce an example.

by way of example

A slightly more formal alternative to "for example".

to give an instance

More verbose, but conveys the same meaning.

as a case in point

Highlights the relevance of the example to the preceding statement.

consider

Invites the listener or reader to think about a specific example.

FAQs

Is "but for instances" grammatically correct?

No, "but for instances" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "but for instance".

What's the difference between "but for instance" and "for example"?

The phrases "but for instance" and "for example" are very similar. "For example" is more common and versatile, while "but for instance" might be used to slightly contrast with a previous statement while introducing an example.

Which is correct, "but for instances" or "but for instance"?

But for instance is correct. "But for instances" is not grammatically accepted in standard English.

What can I say instead of "but for instances"?

Since "but for instances" is incorrect, use "for example", "such as", or "but for instance".