but instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but instances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when contrasting or providing exceptions to a general statement, often in a context where specific examples are being discussed. Example: "Many people enjoy outdoor activities, but instances of extreme weather can deter them from participating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But instances of fraudulent typesetting were isolated and amateurish.

The New Yorker

But instances of kidnapping have been rare since then.

The New York Times

But instances of Scotland internationals overindulging in alcohol, often triggering farcical situations, were commonplace long before that.

The Guardian - Sport

Human rights protections aimed at preventing labour exploitation are enshrined in international law but instances of corporate labour abuses are rife.

The Guardian

But instances in which she tackled the big media issues of the day appeared at first sight thin on the ground.

The Guardian

They had saved lives and mitigated injuries, but instances of air bags inflicting injuries and causing deaths had resulted in a number of highly publicized product-liability claims.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 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 those instances are few and far between.

The New York Times

But these instances are few and far between.

The New York Times

But these instances of temporal color only intensify the omnipresent malaise.

The New York Times - Arts

But numerous instances of courts acknowledging climate change, including in three Supreme Court cases, already exist.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but instances" to introduce specific examples that contrast with a general statement. This helps provide clarity and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but instances" when there is no actual contrast or exception being presented. It's meant to highlight deviations from a general trend, not to agree with it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but instances" functions as a conjunctive phrase that introduces specific examples or exceptions that contrast with a general statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to highlight deviations from a general trend.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but instances" serves as a conjunctive phrase used to introduce exceptions or contrasting examples to a general statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and helpful for adding nuance and specificity to your writing. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using "but instances", ensure you are genuinely presenting a contrast and not simply stating an agreement. Alternatives like "however, cases" or "yet, examples" can be used depending on the desired level of emphasis. Despite its correctness, "but instances" remains uncommon in everyday language, so be sure to wield it carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, cases

Replaces "but instances" with a more direct contrast and emphasizes specific occurrences.

yet, examples

Provides a simple contrast while highlighting specific instances as examples.

however, there are times

Emphasizes the presence of specific times or situations as exceptions.

on the other hand, occasions

Introduces a contrasting viewpoint with specific occasions as the focus.

nevertheless, situations

Offers a stronger contrast while pointing out specific situations.

conversely, incidents

Provides a direct contrast with a focus on specific incidents or events.

in contrast, cases

Highlights a direct opposition using specific cases as examples.

despite this, occurrences

Acknowledges a preceding statement but introduces specific occurrences that differ.

even so, examples

Acknowledges a preceding statement while providing contrasting examples.

that being said, examples

Introduces a contrasting element through specific instances or examples.

FAQs

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

Use "but instances" to introduce specific examples that contrast with a general statement. For example, "Many people enjoy outdoor activities, "but instances" of extreme weather can deter them from participating".

What can I say instead of "but instances"?

You can use alternatives like "however, cases", "yet, examples", or "conversely, incidents" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "but instances" or "however, the instances"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "but instances" is more concise. "However, the instances" may be preferred for emphasis or clarity in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "but instances" and "except for some instances"?

"But instances" introduces specific examples that contrast with a general trend. "Except for some instances" explicitly indicates exceptions to a rule or pattern.