by citing an instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by citing an instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide a specific example to support a point or argument you are making. Example: "To illustrate the impact of climate change, I will explain the situation in the Arctic by citing an instance of melting ice caps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mrs. Clinton's campaign responded by citing a news report of an instance in which a builder who contributed $5,000 to Mr. Lazio's campaign was in tax arrears.

The New York Times

She cited an instance when she interviewed Dan Quayle during the 1992 presidential campaign.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The suit cited an instance where Ms. Stefani's likeness could be made to perform "Honky Tonk Women" by the Rolling Stones, or a virtual version of the bassist Tony Kanal could be made to sing in Ms. Stefani's voice.

The New York Times

At least one respondent cited an instance of gender discrimination in her registrar experience, and it is clear in Figure 1 that there is a gender disproportion by department in the faculty.

BMC Medical Education

Republicans often willfully equate weather with climate, declaring climate change a hoax by citing local instances of particularly egregious snow or rain.

Huffington Post

Those voters were crucial in today's election, and the candidates promoted themselves by citing the instances in which they had differed with their parties.

The New York Times

It begins by citing previous instances when the so-called Cyber Caliphate group successfully infiltrated US networks, including when it hacked into and displayed a banner reading "I love you Isis" on the Central Command's Twitter account earlier this year.

Independent

The GOP ultimately ended her filibuster by citing three instances throughout her speech where she touched on topics "not germane" to the bill (the topics: Planned Parenthood, sonograms and Roe v. Wade).

Huffington Post

Kjellberg also points out that the poem first received wide circulation, after Brodsky's death, when it was republished by Ukrainian nationalists and cited as an instance of Brodsky's extreme pro-Russian views.

The New Yorker

Asher cites a wonderful instance of how evidence for evolution converges from different lines of enquiry.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The Nation didn't believe that the State Department could "cite a single instance of forced espionage".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by citing an instance", ensure the instance is directly relevant and clearly supports the point you are making. This strengthens your argument and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "by citing an instance" with examples that are too broad or not directly relevant to the topic. A weak or unclear instance can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by citing an instance" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a specific example or case to support a statement. It acts as an adverbial modifier, clarifying how a point is being illustrated. Based on Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by citing an instance" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to introduce a specific example or case as supporting evidence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in English, though its occurrence appears to be relatively infrequent in the analyzed data. Alternatives include "by giving an example" or "by providing a case", depending on the desired level of formality and context. When using this phrase, ensure the cited instance is clearly relevant to your argument to strengthen its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by giving an example

This alternative replaces "citing an instance" with a more general term, emphasizing the act of providing an example.

by providing a case

This alternative replaces "instance" with "case", suggesting a specific occurrence or situation used as evidence.

by referring to a situation

This option emphasizes the act of referring to a specific situation as an illustrative point.

by mentioning a fact

This alternative focuses on the use of a specific fact to support an argument or statement.

through an illustrative example

This version uses a more formal tone while highlighting the illustrative nature of the example.

by using a specific case

This phrase underlines the use of a clearly defined case to make a point more concrete.

by pointing to a situation

This alternative directs attention to a particular situation serving as an example.

by offering a demonstration

This option frames the instance as a demonstration of a principle or concept.

by highlighting an episode

This emphasizes a particular episode or event used as a supporting illustration.

by presenting an occurrence

This more formally introduces an occurrence that supports the speaker's point.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "by citing an instance" in a sentence?

Use "by citing an instance" to introduce a specific example or situation that supports your claim. For example, "The company improved its customer service "by citing an instance" where a customer's issue was resolved within 24 hours".

What are some alternatives to "by citing an instance"?

You can use alternatives like "by giving an example", "by providing a case", or "by referring to a situation" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "example" or "instance" when providing evidence?

"Example" is generally more common and widely understood, while "instance" can add a slightly more formal tone. Both are acceptable, but choose the one that best fits the overall style of your writing.

What is the difference between "by citing an instance" and "for example"?

"By citing an instance" introduces a specific occurrence as evidence. "For example" is a more general way to introduce an illustration. The former is often more precise and impactful.