but not in this instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not in this instance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular statement or condition does not apply to the current situation being discussed. Example: "I usually enjoy spicy food, but not in this instance, as I have a sore throat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Boxing frequently hits that spot too, but not in this instance.

Independent

But not in this instance.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Cultural and religious appropriation is a thing, but not in this context or instance.

Huffington Post

I would have thought that this was pretty clear, and it probably is to most teachers in most schools — but not, unfortunately, in this instance.

Huffington Post

There are many things wrong with having superspecialists and tertiary care, but not in instances like this.

The New York Times

Third-person cover shooters weren't exactly a new thing in 2006, nor games starring burly dudes with guns battling against crusty alien sorts (well, they're not in this instance, really, but you know what I mean), but Gears both perfected and solidified, laying down blueprints for a number of now-common gameplay features.

Vice

But they are not what I have in mind, at least not in this instance.

Huffington Post

Not in this instance, however.

The New Yorker

Here's a hint: It is not the newspaper, at least not in this instance.

The New York Times - Health

The day of the dictator was not, in this instance, over.

Independent

Not in this instance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not in this instance" to clearly indicate an exception to a general rule or statement. It provides a specific context where the rule does not apply.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "but not in this instance" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "but not here" or "not this time" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not in this instance" functions as a conjunctive phrase that introduces an exception or qualification to a preceding statement. As shown by Ludwig, it serves to delineate situations where a previously mentioned rule or condition does not apply.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not in this instance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate exceptions to general statements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is to introduce a qualification. While versatile, it's more suited for neutral to formal contexts, and simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual conversation. Example sources show it used across News & Media, Science, and more, making it a valuable addition to your communication toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except in this instance

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the current situation.

however, not in this case

Uses "case" instead of "instance" for a slightly less formal tone.

but not under these circumstances

Emphasizes the specific conditions causing the exception.

nonetheless, not applicable here

More formal, emphasizing the lack of applicability.

except for this one occurrence

Focuses on the single, exceptional event.

yet, not here

More concise, indicating the exception is location-based or situational.

still, not this time

Highlights the temporal aspect of the exception.

but this does not apply now

Directly states that something is not currently applicable.

but this situation is different

Indicates a deviation from the norm due to the specific circumstances.

but it doesn't count this time

Informal and highlights exception to a general rule.

FAQs

How can I use "but not in this instance" in a sentence?

Use "but not in this instance" to specify that a general statement doesn't apply to a specific situation. For example, "I usually prefer coffee, but not in this instance; I'm having tea."

What are some alternatives to "but not in this instance"?

You can use phrases like "but not in this case", "except in this instance", or "not this time" depending on the context.

Is "but not in this instance" formal or informal?

"But not in this instance" leans toward a more formal register. In informal settings, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "but not in this instance" and "but not in this case"?

The phrases are very similar. "But not in this instance" might sound slightly more formal or specific, while "but not in this case" is generally more common and can be used more broadly.