in instances where

USAGE SUMMARY

"in instances where" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to specific scenarios. For example: In instances where the customer is unhappy with their purchase, we offer a full refund.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In instances where prior knowledge and experience is required, pre-requisites are explicitly stated.

The Guardian

That is doubly so in instances where the alleged crime is abstruse.

The New Yorker

In instances where the law is broken, the procedure works," he said.

The New Yorker

In instances where the patron did not comply with this request, the security representatives confiscated the signage.

The Guardian

Such attitudes, the report concluded, resulted in instances where inspectors intimidated asylum seekers or treated them with derision.

The New York Times

But in instances where clearly innocent people have been convicted, he said, "they are owed a tremendous amount".

The New York Times

Nevertheless, in instances where rape cannot be proven or charges were never filed, the threat of joint custody is real.

The New Yorker

Even in instances where it manages to reach a decision, pressure from smaller allies often causes it to rollback policies.

The Economist

The theory is intended for use in instances where rotational defects matter, such as grain boundaries.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

In instances where another network would pay more than AdSense, then that network's ads are displayed.

TechCrunch

Non-US critics have also vented their anger in instances where they deem US rulings unfair.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using shorter alternatives like "when" or "if" to avoid monotony and improve readability.

Common error

While "in instances where" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "when" or "if" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in instances where" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a conditional clause. It sets the stage for specifying circumstances under which a particular action or situation applies. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is used in a wide array of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in instances where" is a versatile phrase used to introduce specific conditions or situations. Ludwig AI confirms it’s grammatically correct and commonly found in both news and scientific contexts. While perfectly acceptable, it’s important to consider the level of formality required in your writing and choose simpler alternatives like "when" or "if" in more casual settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively incorporate "in instances where" into your writing to add clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in cases where

Replaces "instances" with "cases", maintaining the same meaning.

in situations where

Substitutes "instances" with "situations", providing a slightly different nuance.

when

Offers a more concise alternative, focusing directly on the condition.

where

A shorter and more direct way to express the condition.

if

Presents a conditional statement in a brief manner.

when there are

Expands on the condition by specifying the existence of something.

under circumstances where

Offers a more formal and elaborate way of expressing the condition.

on occasions when

Focuses on specific occurrences, implying a less frequent scenario.

in the event that

Highlights a possible future occurrence or condition.

should

Introduces a hypothetical or conditional scenario more directly.

FAQs

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

Use "in instances where" to introduce a specific condition or scenario. For example, "In instances where the product is defective, customers are entitled to a refund."

What can I say instead of "in instances where"?

You can use alternatives like "when", "if", or "in cases where" depending on the context.

Is "in instances where" formal or informal?

"In instances where" leans toward the formal side. In less formal contexts, consider using "when" or "if".

What's the difference between "in instances where" and "in cases where"?

The phrases "in instances where" and "in cases where" are largely interchangeable. "Instances" and "cases" are synonyms in this context, with neither having a significant difference in formality or usage.