in certain instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in certain instances' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to situations in which certain conditions apply (i.e. there are exceptions to more general rules). For example, "In certain instances, employees may be given additional vacation days to use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The difference in mass becomes chemically important in certain instances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Phone hacking is always illegal except, in certain instances, for the security services.

The Guardian

And in certain instances American leaders, American presidents, had profound differences with him.

The Guardian

Birmingham conceded that "perhaps the original model was too generous in certain instances".

The Guardian

Reports are mainly voluntary, though penalties may be imposed for not reporting them in certain instances.

The New York Times - Science

Most banks prefer the Senate version, which would allow greater pre-emption in certain instances.

The New York Times

Specific rules provided for lengthening or shortening the value of notes in certain instances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But in certain instances, it's just going to hit you or it's not.

The New York Times - Sports

"Sports perhaps in certain instances could take their fans more for granted than they can now," Stern said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Space is at such a premium that your zone of privacy grows in certain instances," he said.

The New Yorker

He suggested that new life in certain instances arose from non-life, a related idea called "spontaneous generation".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in certain instances", ensure the context makes it clear what those instances are. Providing an example immediately after can improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "in certain instances" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "in some cases" or "under specific circumstances" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in certain instances" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the conditions or situations under which the action or statement is valid. Ludwig provides examples across various domains, confirming its diverse applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in certain instances" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce exceptions or specific conditions to a general statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, use it to qualify general statements and provide examples. Alternatives include "in some cases" and "under specific circumstances". While "in certain instances" is common, avoid overuse by employing synonyms and maintaining varied language to engage readers. Keep in mind that the phrase is best suited for formal communication, but it can also appear in neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in particular cases

Replaces 'instances' with 'cases', focusing on specific occurrences.

under specific circumstances

Emphasizes the conditions that need to be met for something to occur.

in some situations

Offers a broader, less formal way to refer to specific scenarios.

on occasion

Indicates something happens sometimes, but not regularly.

in select circumstances

Highlights that the conditions are carefully chosen or limited.

in exceptional cases

Suggests that the cases are unusual and stand out from the norm.

subject to conditions

Implies that the outcome depends on fulfilling certain requirements.

where applicable

Indicates that something only applies in certain relevant situations.

when appropriate

Suggests that something should only be done if it's suitable or fitting.

contingent on the situation

Expresses that the result depends on the specific conditions at hand.

FAQs

How can I use "in certain instances" in a sentence?

Use "in certain instances" to indicate exceptions to a general rule or to specify conditions under which something is true. For example, "While the policy applies to all employees, "in certain instances", exemptions may be granted."

What are some alternatives to "in certain instances"?

You can use alternatives such as "in some cases", "under specific circumstances", or "on occasion", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in certain instances" or "in some instances"?

Both "in certain instances" and "in some instances" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. "In certain instances" may imply a more specific or defined set of conditions.

What's the difference between "in certain instances" and "in general"?

"In certain instances" refers to specific exceptions or conditions, while "in general" refers to a broad, overarching rule or trend. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum, with one highlighting exceptions and the other emphasizing the norm.