happy instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "happy instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fortunate or pleasant occurrence or situation. Example: "It was a happy instance when we unexpectedly ran into each other at the café after so many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In that happy instance, college will come to you.

The New York Times

That may be why Saturday felt sad and substantial, as if the last known survivor of a war had passed away, even though, in this happy instance, so little blood was shed.

The New Yorker

That this thoroughly revised revival, directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom, with a new book by David Henry Hwang, seems mired in a comparable identity crisis is not a happy instance of form reflecting content.

The New York Times

(At around the same time, a movie retold "Great Expectations" from the point of view of Gwyneth Paltrow getting in and out of black silk underwear--a happy instance of the hitherto unseen made visible).

The New Yorker

That the show, which was staged in Los Angeles last year by the Mark Taper Forum and is directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom, seems mired in a comparable identity crisis is not a happy instance of form reflecting content.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

One juicy morsel from The Word's smörgåsbord of slightly salacious highlights has attracted the attention of The Sun (a newspaper which, in one of those happy instances of synergy so prevalent in our contemporary media landscape, shares an owner with Norman's publisher).

The Guardian - Music

He points to some beautiful poetic passages, and concludes that "the graceful winding up of this play is one of the happiest instances of Shakespear's knowledge of the principles of the drama".

Wikipedia

How happy, for instance, can the remote-controlled gutter-cleaning robot be ($129.95)?

The New Yorker

She is happy, for instance, to subscribe to the family caricature laid upon her in infancy.

The Guardian

I'm really happy, for instance, to regain the ability to automatically tweet based on specific RSS feeds.

TechCrunch

A related body of literature explores the costs and benefits of (ostensibly) making it easier to pursue happiness by increasing people's options; it turns out that having more choices might often make people less happy, for instance by increasing the burdens of deliberation or the likelihood of regret (Schwartz 2004).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "happy instance" to add a touch of formality and positivity when describing a fortunate event in writing. It's particularly effective in journalistic or literary contexts where a slightly elevated tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "happy instance" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "lucky break" or "good thing" to maintain a natural and relatable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "happy instance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "happy" modifies the noun "instance". It describes a specific occurrence or event that is characterized by good fortune or positive circumstances. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's suitable in formal settings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "happy instance" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to denote a fortunate event. According to Ludwig AI, it's appropriate to use "happy instance" to add a touch of formality and positivity when describing a fortunate event in writing. Though not frequently used, examples can be found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker. Alternatives like "fortunate event" or "lucky break" may be more suitable in informal contexts. Overall, while correct, consider the audience and context when choosing to employ the phrase "happy instance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fortunate event

Emphasizes the luck or good fortune associated with the event.

lucky break

Highlights the unexpected and beneficial nature of the occurrence.

auspicious occasion

Suggests a favorable and promising circumstance.

propitious moment

Implies that the timing of the event is particularly advantageous.

joyful occasion

Focuses on the happiness and positive emotions associated with the event.

blessed event

Indicates that the event is divinely favored or fortunate.

serendipitous encounter

Highlights the accidental and fortunate nature of the meeting.

opportune time

Emphasizes that the event occurred at the most suitable or advantageous moment.

favorable circumstance

Highlights the beneficial set of conditions surrounding the event.

piece of good luck

Directly refers to an instance of positive fortune or chance.

FAQs

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

You can use "happy instance" to describe a fortunate or pleasant occurrence. For example, "It was a "happy instance" when we unexpectedly reconnected after many years".

What are some alternatives to "happy instance"?

Alternatives include "fortunate event", "lucky break", or "auspicious occasion". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "happy instance" a common phrase?

"Happy instance" is not as common as other phrases like "good thing" or "lucky break". Its usage tends to be more formal and literary.

When is it appropriate to use "happy instance"?

It is most appropriate in formal writing or when aiming for a slightly elevated or sophisticated tone. It can effectively convey a sense of fortunate or positive circumstances.