fleeting instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting instance" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a moment that is brief and quickly passes. For example: "In that fleeting instance, everything seemed perfect." Alternative expressions include "brief moment" and "transient moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"You're not a fake fleeting instance of you.

The Economist

Only a few antiparticles have been seen--and these were painstakingly created in accelerators, only to vanish within a fleeting instance.

Science Magazine

From the next century-and-a-half, only a few more examples have been identified, none calling for more than a fleeting instance of the form.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For fleeting instances here and there, Mr. Levine's lightness of touch seemed about to float off altogether.

The New York Times - Arts

But it's all that Malick's characters are allowed: fleeting, bittersweet instances.

Vice

The care of those around them, a poignant instance, a fleeting moment of affection and myriad sediments of tenderness, these may coalesce in the mind of a new mother to chase away, like an industrious fan with a harsh yet invigorating breeze, all inappropriate thoughts and unpleasant feelings.

The Guardian - Books

"Even fleeting and seemingly trivial instances of interpersonal touch may help people to deal more effectively with existential concern," lead researcher Sander Koole wrote in the study.

Huffington Post

White people who viewed fleeting images of black faces, for instance, were able to recognize the fuzzy outline of a gun more quickly than their peers who were exposed to white faces.

Los Angeles Times

The agency put its "fleeting expletive" policy in place in 2004 after repeated instances of profanity by celebrities, including Cher, Nicole Richie and Bono, during the live broadcasts of awards programs.

The New York Times

It did more than make dance happen; in a couple of instances it managed to create "that single fleeting moment," as Cunningham put it, "when you feel alive".

The New York Times - Arts

One would never attempt to call comments on blogs instances of real bonding though they have virtually the same function — fleeting moments of connection that is nowhere near anything we would call real bonding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting instance" to describe something that happens very quickly and is not likely to be repeated. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the transient nature of a feeling, observation, or phenomenon.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "fleeting instance" can sound slightly verbose in very formal contexts. Consider simpler alternatives like "brief moment" for greater conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting instance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "fleeting" modifies the noun "instance". It describes a specific occurrence or example that is brief and transient. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting instance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that occurs briefly and is not long-lasting. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's most commonly found in news and media, with a slightly formal tone. Consider alternatives like "transient moment" or "brief occurrence" depending on your specific needs. While valid, avoid overuse in very formal writing, where simpler terms might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transient moment

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the occurrence.

fleeting glimpse

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the act of seeing something briefly.

brief occurrence

Highlights the short duration of the event.

momentary episode

Suggests a distinct, though short-lived, event.

passing incident

Implies that the event is not significant or memorable.

split-second event

Highlights the very short amount of time the event takes.

short-lived event

Directly describes the limited lifespan of the occurrence.

ephemeral occasion

Uses more formal language to convey the fleeting nature.

temporary manifestation

Focuses on the appearance and disappearance of something.

quick flash

Conveys a sense of suddenness and brevity.

FAQs

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

You can use "fleeting instance" to describe something that occurs briefly and is not long-lasting. For example: "In that "fleeting instance", I saw a look of regret in his eyes."

What are some alternatives to "fleeting instance"?

Alternatives include "transient moment", "brief occurrence", or "momentary episode", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fleeting instance" formal or informal?

"Fleeting instance" leans towards a slightly more formal register, but it is acceptable in neutral contexts. Consider your audience when choosing between this phrase and simpler alternatives like "brief moment".

What's the difference between "fleeting instance" and "fleeting moment"?

While similar, "fleeting instance" often refers to a specific occurrence or example that is brief, while "fleeting moment" describes a brief period of time. A "fleeting instance" might be a single observation, whereas a fleeting moment could be a period of happiness.