for instance when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for instance when" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to give an example of something that is for illustrative purposes. For instance, when deciding whether to buy a new car or a used one, you should consider your budget and long-term goals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As, for instance, when she describes working with Ozon.

The Guardian - Film

For instance, when I'm talking about the dead man's penis".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For instance, when does fair use become copyright infringement?

The New Yorker

What happens, for instance, when a corporate outsider steals information?

The New York Times - Magazine

What happens, for instance, when there's a culture clash?

Independent

For instance, when I first met my wife, I didn't do computations.

The New York Times - Science

"For instance, when I was first married, everybody wanted pot de cr me.

The New York Times - Magazine

For instance, when water accumulates on the surface of an ice sheet, the reflectivity changes.

The New Yorker

We are not paid, for instance, when we're out sick or at doctor appointments.

The New York Times

For instance, when it comes to stories about victims, we represent a whopping 79%.

The Guardian - Opinion

For instance, when you move from one room to the next, switch off the light.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for instance when" to introduce specific scenarios or situations that exemplify a broader point or argument. It's effective for clarifying abstract concepts with concrete examples.

Common error

Avoid using "for instance when" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using a variety of transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for instance when" functions as an conjunctive adverbial phrase, introducing a specific situation or event to illustrate a more general statement or principle. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, providing clarity and concrete examples to support claims.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for instance when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a specific example to illustrate a broader point. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business writing. While alternatives like "for example when" exist, "for instance when" provides a slightly more specific nuance. Overusing it should be avoided to maintain writing clarity and engagement. The phrase’s effectiveness lies in its ability to connect abstract concepts with concrete, relatable scenarios, making it a valuable tool for clear communication. "For instance when" used correctly can significantly enhance the understandability and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for example when

Replaces "instance" with "example", slightly altering the tone to be more general.

as an illustration when

Substitutes "for instance" with "as an illustration", making the phrase more formal.

to illustrate, when

Reorders the phrase for a slightly different emphasis, placing the illustrative purpose first.

in cases when

Focuses on specific situations rather than general instances.

when, for example

Inverts the structure, emphasizing the temporal aspect first before introducing the example.

consider, for instance, when

Adds a call to action for the reader to consider the example provided, increasing engagement.

take the case of when

Highlights a specific case as an example related to a particular time.

specifically, when

Emphasizes the specific timing or condition of the example.

in a situation when

Frames the example within the context of a specific situation or scenario.

by way of example, when

Uses a more elaborate phrase to introduce the example related to a particular time.

FAQs

How can I use "for instance when" in a sentence?

"For instance when" introduces a specific example illustrating a broader point. For example, you might say, "Policies often change unexpectedly; for instance when a new CEO takes over".

What are some alternatives to using "for instance when"?

Alternatives include "for example when", "as an illustration when", or "in cases when", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "for instance when" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "for instance when" is generally suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where providing clear examples is important. However, consider alternatives like "as an illustration when" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "for instance when" and "for example when"?

The difference is subtle; both introduce examples, but "for instance when" suggests a more specific or particular case. "For example when" might introduce a more general illustration.