in any given instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in any given instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific situation or occurrence among many possible situations. Example: "In any given instance, the outcome may vary based on the choices made by the individuals involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Its actual meaning in any given instance always depends on surrounding circumstances".

The New York Times - Books

These, then, are the principal forces that impinge on managers in any given instance and that tend to determine their tactical behavior in relation to subordinates.

Harvard Business Review

This assertion defames Jews, the majority of whom, in my experience, take issue not with the idea of legitimate criticism, but with what in any given instance "legitimacy" amounts to.

The Guardian - Opinion

So we live in a funny world in which different parts of our brain are adapted to different types of circumstances, but we don't have a control structure that knows which one would be the most appropriate in any given instance; we're not optimized in that way.

Yale University

But the rules of the game mostly prevent Woodward from naming his sources, which, in any given instance, might be an official document or something remembered by a cabinet secretary or the recollection of words overheard by an assistant two or three levels down the food chain.

The New York Times - Books

Mathews dictates that the process due in any given instance is determined by weighing "the private interest that will be affected by the official action" against the government's asserted interest, "including the function involved" and the burdens the government would face in providing greater process.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

No need for the writer to speculate dutifully as a biographer or historian would about what the historical figure might have said or felt in a given instance.

The New York Times - Books

The buffer occupancy in a given instance can be expressed as [19].

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

What approach we should choose in a given instance depends largely on the kind of question that we are asking about discourse itself.

Johns Hopkins University

Consider again mental property M and one of its realizers in a given instance, P. Plausibly, M's powers are included in P's.

SEP

Of course, even normal phase sortal might, contingently, in a given instance, designate an object through the whole of its existence.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in any given instance" to emphasize that a statement or rule is contingent on the specific circumstances at hand, making your writing more precise and nuanced.

Common error

Avoid using "in any given instance" when a statement applies universally. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily conditional and weaken the impact of general truths.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in any given instance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the circumstances under which an action or situation occurs. As Ludwig confirms, it adds conditionality and context to statements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in any given instance" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce conditionality and specificity into statements. As supported by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and common across various domains, including news, science, and academia. Its primary function is to emphasize that certain outcomes or considerations depend on the unique circumstances of a situation. While its register is generally neutral, careful use is advised to avoid unnecessary wordiness. Related phrases like "in a specific case" and "depending on the situation" offer similar but nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in any specific case

Emphasizes the particularity of a situation more directly.

in any particular situation

Highlights the situational aspect and its unique circumstances.

under the circumstances

Focuses on the existing conditions influencing an event.

depending on the situation

Highlights how outcomes are contingent upon circumstances.

in certain situations

Stresses that what is true in one instance might not be true in all.

on a case-by-case basis

Implies each situation is assessed individually.

for each scenario

Emphasizes a hypothetical or projected situation.

in each event

Focuses on isolated events and happenings.

as things stand

Refers to the current state of affairs and immediate conditions.

given the circumstances

Acknowledges existing conditions as a determining factor.

FAQs

How can I use "in any given instance" in a sentence?

Use "in any given instance" to specify that something depends on the particular circumstances of a situation. For example, "The optimal solution may vary "in any given instance" depending on the available resources."

What are some alternatives to "in any given instance"?

You can use alternatives like "in a specific case", "in a particular situation", or "depending on the situation" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "in any given instance" or "in each instance"?

"In any given instance" suggests a consideration of specific circumstances, while "in each instance" implies a more general or universal application. The better choice depends on the intended nuance.

What's the difference between "in any given instance" and "for example"?

"In any given instance" introduces a condition or contingency, suggesting variability based on circumstances. "For example" introduces a specific illustration to clarify a general point, without necessarily implying variability.