in an instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in an instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to mean "immediately" or "at once". For example, "The fire alarm went off and we all evacuated in an instance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At most one slot of a given name can be accessible in an instance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The first parameter in an instance method should always be self.

Cornell University

Babloyantz, A. & Destexhe, A. Low-dimensional chaos in an instance of epilepsy.

Nature

In an instance of this problem, we have n items to be packed into bins of m distinct sizes.

Electronic Notes in Discrete Mathematics

Finally, the proposed methodology is effectively demonstrated in an instance of motorcycle hydraulic-disk brake interface reengineering.

Computer-Aided Design

Two extra syllables, like blush after makeup, just that requisite fuzziness, like ambiguity in an instance of total candor.

The New York Times

It generates the trunk of a binary HDT according to the binary information gain ratio criterion in an instance space defined by only original unordered attributes.

Knowledge-Based Systems

The show's music, an often corny synth-noir plink-plink, can be distracting, especially in an instance when it's played under a recitation of the victims' names.

The New Yorker

It was the first time we'd ever done something like that, – it was PvP but it wasn't in an instance, so any one could come.

The Guardian - Tech

2. (of shared slots or local slots in an instance of a class) having been defined by the class of the instance or inherited from a superclass of that class.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A slot is said to be accessible in an instance of a class if the slot is defined by the class of the instance or is inherited from a superclass of that class.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in an instance" to add emphasis to the suddenness or immediacy of an action or event, making your writing more vivid and impactful. It's particularly effective in narrative contexts where conveying a sense of urgency is crucial.

Common error

While "in an instance" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or informal. In formal or professional contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "immediately" or "instantly" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in an instance" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or manner of an action. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its role in specifying when something occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in an instance" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to underscore the suddenness or immediacy of an occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Although versatile, consider the formality of your writing and explore synonyms like "immediately" or "instantly" for added precision. With strong representation across News & Media and Scientific sources, this phrase serves to bring a sense of urgency to your narratives and descriptions, provided you remain mindful of its subtle nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately

This alternative emphasizes the lack of delay, focusing on the promptness of an action.

instantly

This alternative stresses the instantaneous nature of an event or action.

at once

This phrase indicates that something happens without any delay.

right away

This alternative conveys a sense of immediacy and directness.

in a moment

This suggests a very short period of time, close to instantaneous.

in a flash

This alternative emphasizes the speed and suddenness of an event.

on the spot

This phrase indicates immediacy, often referring to decisions or actions taken without prior planning.

without delay

This emphasizes the absence of any waiting period.

in short order

This alternative suggests that something will happen quickly and efficiently.

in the twinkling of an eye

This phrase highlights the extreme rapidity of an occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "in an instance" to describe something that happens immediately or suddenly. For example: "The power went out "in an instance", plunging the room into darkness."

What are some alternatives to "in an instance"?

Some alternatives to "in an instance" include "immediately", "instantly", "at once", or "right away". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in a instance" instead of "in an instance"?

No, the correct form is "in an instance". The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What is the difference between "in an instance" and "in this case"?

"In an instance" emphasizes the immediacy or suddenness of an event, while "in this case" refers more broadly to a particular situation or example. You'd use "in an instance" when something happens quickly, and "in this case" when discussing a specific scenario.