certain instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain instances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific situations or cases that are not universally applicable but occur under particular conditions. Example: "In certain instances, the rules may be relaxed to accommodate special circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In certain instances bulbs die out.

The New York Times - Arts

The difference in mass becomes chemically important in certain instances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In certain instances, the waves even propagate unidirectionally.

Composites Science and Technology

Phone hacking is always illegal except, in certain instances, for the security services.

The Guardian

And in certain instances American leaders, American presidents, had profound differences with him.

The Guardian

Birmingham conceded that "perhaps the original model was too generous in certain instances".

The Guardian

Reports are mainly voluntary, though penalties may be imposed for not reporting them in certain instances.

The New York Times - Science

But in certain instances, the frame of reference might be brands in quite disparate categories.

Harvard Business Review

Thus IBM Research appears, in certain instances, as if it's attempting to answer the wrong questions.

MIT Technology Review

In certain instances, I'll say my mother remembers it this way — but this is my book.

The New York Times - Magazine

In certain instances, phase segregation was found to favor plane stress fracture resistance.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain instances" to introduce exceptions or specific conditions to a general rule. This adds precision and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "certain instances" when a simpler word like "sometimes" or "occasionally" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain instances" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause, indicating specific situations or conditions where something is true. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain instances" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote specific situations or exceptions to general rules. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. Its prevalence in contexts like News & Media and Science underscores its versatility. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "specific cases" or "particular situations" to refine your message depending on the context. Remember that while versatile, avoid overusing "certain instances" when simpler alternatives are available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific cases

Replaces "instances" with the more direct "cases", offering a slightly more concrete feel.

particular situations

Substitutes both words, emphasizing the situational aspect over the occurrence itself.

certain situations

Slightly more direct, replacing "instances" with the more common "situations".

specific situations

Combines the directness of "specific" with the contextual focus of "situations".

in some cases

Focuses on the existence of cases where something applies, rather than the type of instances.

in select cases

Emphasizes that these cases are carefully chosen or stand out from others.

in limited circumstances

Highlights the restricted or uncommon nature of the conditions.

under certain conditions

Shifts focus to the prerequisites or requirements for the instance to occur.

in specific scenarios

Uses "scenarios" to highlight imagined or projected sequences of events.

in some situations

A very general and common alternative, slightly less formal than the original.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain instances" to specify exceptions or particular situations where a general rule might not apply. For example, "In certain instances, the usual procedures may be bypassed."

What's a more casual way to say "certain instances"?

For less formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "sometimes" or "in some cases" instead of "certain instances".

What are some alternatives to "certain instances" that add more emphasis?

To emphasize the specificity of the situation, consider using alternatives such as "specific cases" or "particular situations".

Is "certain instances" interchangeable with "certain examples"?

While related, "certain instances" refers to situations or occurrences, whereas "certain examples" refers to specific illustrations or instances used to demonstrate a point.