fictional instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fictional instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific example or scenario that is created or imagined, often in the context of storytelling or hypothetical situations. Example: "In this fictional instance, the hero discovers a hidden power that changes the course of the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

To the Editor: In "Untangling the Myths About Attention Disorder," Dr. Klass cites actual and fictional instances of what seems to be A.D.H.D. from a time before the condition had a name.

The New York Times - Health

Actual real-life sexual assault is considered a taboo subject to discuss while fictional instances of rape in both porn and mainstream media are often fetishized as a wholly sexual not a violent act.

Vice

[A fictional example].

Forbes

In this fictional account, for instance, a shopper's grocery purchases may directly influence the availability or price of her life or health insurance products—and not necessarily in a good way.

Harvard Business Review

Take, for instance, the fictional realities of Janelle Monáe (pictured above), the brilliant "R.

The New Yorker

In James Malcolm Rymer's The Dark Woman; or Plot and Passion (1861) for instance, the fictional heroine (an organised crime boss and illegitimate royal) collides with two historical figures whose lifetimes did not overlap – the highwayman Jack Sheppard (1702-1724), and the Prince Regent, later George IV (1762-1830).

The Guardian - Books

Legends of Frontierland pits guest against guest in a battle for control of a fictional town -- in this instance one that's set inside Disneyland's vision of the Old West.

Los Angeles Times

Ms. Niemi was hard-pressed to come up with another instance of a fictional product from an NBC series that had made its way into the real world like the Dunder Mifflin office supplies.

The New York Times

So what if this instance was more fictional than fact and didn't actually happen to Jackie?

Huffington Post

ISight dubbed the recently detected hacking group SandWorm because of references embedded in its code to the science-fiction novel "Dune". There were various mentions in Russian to the fictional desert planet of Arrakis, for instance.

The Washington Post

The paper concludes that the fictional actions of the transference are instances of real agency.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fictional instance", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to something not real or based on imagination. This is particularly important in academic or formal writing where clarity and precision are crucial.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "fictional instance" as if it were a real event or case study. Always make it clear that the instance is hypothetical or invented to illustrate a point, particularly in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fictional instance" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to introduce a hypothetical or unreal example. As Ludwig suggests, it highlights an imaginary scenario used for illustrative purposes. This is evident in the provided examples where "fictional instances" are used to explain concepts or describe plot points.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fictional instance" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to refer to hypothetical or imaginary examples. Ludwig highlights its function in providing illustrative clarity, particularly within news, academic, and scientific contexts. While less prevalent than other similar phrases, such as "imaginary example" or "hypothetical case", using "fictional instance" can be especially valuable in scenarios where distinguishing real versus imaginary events is important. By avoiding the confusion of hypothetical situations with actual events, one can ensure the integrity and validity of any argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fictional scenario

Changes "instance" to "scenario", offering a slightly broader term for the situation.

imaginary example

Replaces "fictional" with "imaginary", focusing on the unreal nature of the example.

hypothetical case

Uses "hypothetical" to emphasize the conditional or theoretical nature of the instance.

imagined event

Replaces "instance" with "event", focusing on the occurrence itself being unreal.

invented situation

Highlights the creation or invention of the scenario rather than its fictional quality.

made-up scenario

Emphasizes the fabricated nature of the instance.

theoretical situation

Highlights the theoretical and non-real nature of the situation.

concocted example

Indicates that the example has been elaborately invented or fabricated.

supposed instance

Indicates that the instance is assumed or postulated, not necessarily real.

simulated occurrence

Focuses on the aspect of the instance being a simulation or model of a real event.

FAQs

How can I use "fictional instance" in a sentence?

You can use "fictional instance" to introduce a hypothetical or imaginary example. For instance, "In this "fictional instance", the protagonist makes a critical decision that alters the course of the story."

What's a good alternative to "fictional instance"?

Depending on the context, you can use "imaginary example", "hypothetical case", or "invented situation".

Is "fictional instance" formal or informal?

"Fictional instance" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's essential to maintain clarity when using it in academic or professional settings.

What is the difference between a "fictional instance" and a "real-life example"?

A "fictional instance" is based on imagination and is not real, while a "real-life example" is an actual event or situation that has occurred.