in isolated instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in isolated instances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific, rare occurrences or examples that are not representative of a larger trend or pattern. Example: "The medication has been effective for most patients, but in isolated instances, some have experienced adverse reactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In 1999, Ljungqvist helped abolish the blanket testing of women, but international competitions have continued to rely on sex-verification tests in isolated instances.

The New York Times - Sports

At the time, some healthy children in Britain were given the drug as a guard against getting sick, which also happened in isolated instances in the United States.

The New York Times

We agree with Mr. Stone-except in isolated instances of persons who are overwrought nervously or who are making a melancholy journey.

The New Yorker

It is possible, and certainly arguable, that the Israeli policymakers, or individual Israeli field commanders in isolated instances, pushed the line out too far.

The New York Times

Rebel groups had also conducted torture, the report said, and although these occurred only in isolated instances, "there were strong indications that such practices are on the rise".

The New York Times

The use of metal for money can be traced back to Babylon more than 2000 years bc, but standardization and certification in the form of coinage did not occur except perhaps in isolated instances until the 7th century bc.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"In several isolated instances, a manufacturing defect could result in the battery smoldering or, in some cases, catching fire," Lime wrote on its blog.

TechCrunch

Texas residents should look at this case and recognize how excessive officials have become in pursuing isolated instances of voter fraud.

The Washington Post

Fannie and Freddie have allowed principal reductions in some isolated instances.

Los Angeles Times

Only one UCE element so far was shown to present these two functions concomitantly, as had been observed in other isolated instances of single, non ultraconserved enhancer elements.

BMC Genomics

In several isolated instances, people and animals have been stung to death.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in isolated instances" to acknowledge exceptions to a general rule or trend, adding nuance and accuracy to your writing. For instance, "While the new policy is generally effective, "in isolated instances" it has created unforeseen challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "in isolated instances" too frequently, as it can weaken your overall argument. If exceptions become numerous, consider revising your main point to reflect the broader reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in isolated instances" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify that an action or situation occurs rarely or as an exception. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate how it qualifies the frequency of events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in isolated instances" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote infrequent or exceptional occurrences. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct usage spans diverse fields, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. While prevalent across various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and scientific publications. Employ it judiciously to acknowledge exceptions without undermining your main argument. Alternatives include "in rare cases", "on occasion", or "infrequently", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in rare cases

Implies a low probability of occurrence, focusing on the infrequency of the event.

in a few cases

Highlights the small number of times this happens.

on occasion

Suggests that something happens sometimes, but not regularly or frequently.

infrequently

Directly indicates a lack of frequency, offering a concise alternative.

in select instances

Highlights the specific, but uncommon occurrence.

sporadically

Highlights the irregular and scattered nature of the occurrences.

in exceptional circumstances

Emphasizes the unusual nature of the situation when the event happens.

in exceptional cases

Suggests instances which are so rare that they form an exception.

in unusual situations

Emphasizes that the situations are rare and out of the norm.

in atypical situations

Highlights that the situations are not typical or representative.

FAQs

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

You can use "in isolated instances" to indicate that something happens rarely or is an exception to the general rule. For example: "The new software is usually stable, but "in isolated instances", users have reported crashes."

What are some alternatives to "in isolated instances"?

Alternatives include "in rare cases", "on occasion", or "infrequently". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "in isolated cases" or "in isolated instances"?

Both "in isolated cases" and "in isolated instances" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, with "instances" perhaps sounding slightly more formal.

When is it appropriate to use "in isolated instances"?

Use "in isolated instances" when you want to acknowledge that something happens, but not often enough to change your overall assessment or conclusion. It adds precision to your writing by recognizing exceptions without undermining the general point.