exceptional instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific case or occurrence that is unusual or noteworthy in some way. Example: "This is an exceptional instance of teamwork that deserves recognition for its outstanding results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But we are worried that your article, by focusing on such an exceptional instance of fiscal irresponsibility without also discussing the vital importance of services to the developmentally disabled, could feed into the frenzy to cut state and federal funds for them.

The New York Times

In another exceptional instance, immunity to the blood-borne microfilarial stage of B. malayi appears to be mediated by Th1 cells and inhibited by IL-10 [ 46].

Current Opinion in Immunology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Usually, it is to reward exceptional instances of rehabilitation or to express compassion.

The New York Times

Soumission marks one of those exceptional instances when politics and art arrive simultaneously.

The Guardian - Books

Felix charts his life through exceptional instances of heartache, beginning with an early girlfriend who fell for another boy while Felix was holding her hand at the movies.

The New York Times - Books

We should note that these are not exceptional instances, but absolutely frequent occurrences, as depicted by several additional examples in Fig. 1 [21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 29].

Brain Informatics

In many practical cases, however, it is desirable to leave the possibility to "override" the global object knowledge at the local level: in other words, it is interesting to recognize the pieces of knowledge that can admit exceptional instances in the local contexts that do not need to satisfy the general axiom.

Artificial Intelligence

However, organisations such as Eurordis have warned against unwarranted extrapolations based on such exceptional instances (Le Cam, 2011).

British Journal of Cancer

Another study also highlighted exceptional instances of generosity from MHCPs in Argentina, where doctors had paid for maternal health services unaffordable to patients [ 46].

Globalization and Health

We discuss how different uses of ChIP-seq data are affected by specific aspects of data quality, and we highlight exceptional instances for which the metric values should not be taken at face value.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Therefore, the exceptional instances where a stable gene order is conserved, even for a few gene pairs, implies strong selective pressure that should be reflected in high levels of co-expression of essential products such as one sees, for instance, in the exemplary case of ribosomal proteins.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceptional instance" when you want to emphasize that a particular situation or case is significantly different from the norm and deserves special attention. Be sure the context clearly demonstrates why the instance is considered exceptional.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptional instance" simply to describe something positive without providing specific reasons for its exceptional nature. Overusing it can dilute its impact. Instead, reserve it for situations where the exceptional quality is demonstrably significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional instance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'exceptional' modifies the noun 'instance'. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples show it highlights specific cases that are unusual or noteworthy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptional instance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, according to Ludwig AI. It serves to highlight a specific situation or case that is significantly different from the norm. While its usage frequency is uncommon, it appears in contexts such as science and news media. Related phrases include "rare occurrence" and "notable example". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly demonstrates the exceptional quality and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rare occurrence

Emphasizes the infrequency of the event.

uncommon case

Highlights the atypical nature of the situation.

notable example

Focuses on the significance and worthiness of attention.

remarkable situation

Draws attention to the outstanding qualities of the situation.

unique event

Stresses the singularity and distinctiveness.

singular occasion

Highlights the distinct and non-repeatable nature.

atypical situation

Indicates deviation from the norm.

extraordinary event

Focuses on the exceeding ordinary nature of an event.

isolated incident

Emphasizes the separation and lack of connection to other events.

infrequent phenomenon

Highlights the scarcity of observation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "exceptional instance" in a sentence?

To effectively use "exceptional instance", ensure the context clearly highlights the unique or noteworthy aspect of the case you are describing. For example, "This recovery is an "exceptional instance" of resilience after such a severe injury."

What phrases are similar to "exceptional instance"?

Alternatives to "exceptional instance" include "rare occurrence", "notable example", or "unique event". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "exceptional instance"?

While grammatically correct, using "exceptional instance" might be inappropriate if the situation is not truly exceptional or if simpler phrasing would suffice. Avoid using it as a generic compliment.

What distinguishes "exceptional instance" from "usual case"?

"Exceptional instance" implies a deviation from the norm, highlighting unique or remarkable aspects. In contrast, "usual case" refers to a typical or ordinary situation.