in a brief instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a brief instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short moment or a fleeting period of time when something occurs. Example: "In a brief instance, the lights flickered, and then everything returned to normal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a brief instance when it does wade into politics, "Too Hot Not to Handle" hears from a hybrid-car enthusiast who says it's conservative to conserve fuel.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sampling as an element of research method leads to sampling in a second sense: in many cases thesis work forms a brief instance of what operational public health action might be.

Africa

Each image is composed of 10,000 photos of a brief instance.

Vice

And yet, despite his many flaws, he possessed a rabid, ungovernable ambition that in a few brief instances enabled him to transcend his limitations.

The New York Times - Books

In that brief instance, "London Road" surges with feeling.

The New York Times - Arts

"My other self as he might have been called in a brief, ambiguous novel was in this instance a bush pilot, several hundred feet above Third Matagamon Lake, in Maine, face to face with a strong winter wind". Read more.

The New Yorker

For instance, in a brief in the Supreme Court defending the film, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press said the film "does not differ, in any relevant respect, from the critiques of presidential candidates produced throughout the entirety of American history".

The New York Times

But mostly it relies on finding the sort of productions you can't quite do justice to in a brief description: Black Violin, for instance, is a duo that blends classical and hip-hop sensibilities, while Tom Tom Club mixes live music with daredevil acrobats.

The New York Times

In rare (and brief) instances, justified by overwhelming historical interest, Mr. Scarduelli includes material from a seriously defective source.

The New York Times - Arts

In a brief filed in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, for instance, the Justice Department noted that its position on the Second Amendment was inconsistent with that of the court, which has held that the amendment protects a collective right.

The New York Times

In a brief speech, Mr. Paterson was ebullient.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a brief instance" to add emphasis to the fleeting nature of an event or observation, particularly when highlighting a change or transition. Avoid overusing it in close proximity to other similar phrases to maintain writing clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "in a brief instance" when the duration is not truly instantaneous or very short. If the period is more substantial, consider alternatives like "for a short time" or "during a phase" to better reflect the actual duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a brief instance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the timing of an action. It specifies when something occurs, emphasizing its short duration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a brief instance" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the short duration and suddenness of an event. While not extremely common, as noted by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like ""for a fleeting moment"" or ""in a flash"" to achieve a similar effect. When writing, remember to use this phrase when you need to highlight how quickly something happens or changes. Avoid using "in a brief instance" for durations that are not truly instantaneous. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is effective for conveying immediacy and transience in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a fleeting moment

Emphasizes the transient nature of the occurrence.

momentarily

A single word adverb conveying the same meaning of something that happens in an instant.

for a split second

Highlights the extremely short duration.

in a flash

Suggests suddenness and speed.

for a short period

Focuses on the limited duration of time.

in a heartbeat

Indicates immediacy and quickness.

in an instant

Emphasizes the immediacy of the event.

for a little while

Implies a slightly longer, but still brief, duration.

in passing

Indicates a casual or quick occurrence.

transiently

Highlights the temporary existence or effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a brief instance" to describe something that happens very quickly or for a very short time, like, "In a brief instance, the power went out and then came back on".

What are some alternatives to "in a brief instance"?

Some alternatives include "for a fleeting moment", "momentarily", or "in a flash", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in a brief instance" formal or informal?

"In a brief instance" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "momentarily" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What is the difference between "in a brief instance" and "for a short time"?

"In a brief instance" emphasizes the sudden and fleeting nature of an event, while "for a short time" ( "for a short time" ) simply indicates a limited duration, which could be a bit longer. The former is more about a specific, quick moment.