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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
in previous instances
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "in previous instances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to earlier occurrences or examples of a particular situation or event. Example: "In previous instances, we have seen how effective this strategy can be in improving team performance."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
already previously
just previously
because previously
in previous times
in past instances
well previously
on prior occasions
in previous months
in previous stages
in days gone by
in previous weeks
in previous scenarios
in prior situations
in previous sessions
in previous circumstances
as mentioned before
earlier
as noted earlier
in previous eras
as previously mentioned
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
12 human-written examples
In previous instances, the bank came back from the crisis and prospered.
News & Media
Since Mrs. Clinton had told a similar story in previous instances, this was misleading at best.
News & Media
So it seemed reasonable to infer that the Cocula dump had also been used in previous instances to dispose of the bodies of victims of organized crime.
News & Media
"We're afraid that once the company's status changes, new owners will come, as we have seen in previous instances, and will try to change existing agreements," the head of the Bezeq workers' union, Shlomo Kfir, said today.
News & Media
As part of the agreement, the United States said it would send 240,000 metric tons (about 265,000 tons) of food, though it limited the aid to nutritional supplements, rather than the rice and grains that, as two administration officials said, has in previous instances been diverted by the government or the military, or even sold abroad.
News & Media
"In previous instances - such as the case against UK-based BitTorrent tracker Oink - we have seen that users who uploaded the most high profile content were targeted, but I can't see them pursuing hundreds of thousands of users".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
48 human-written examples
In 2008, a whitetip reef shark produced a single pup through possibly asexual means at the Nyiregyhaza Centre in Hungary; previous instances of asexual reproduction in sharks have been reported in the bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) and the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus).
Wiki
In contrast, previous instances of VLS coupled to experimental screening of ligands reported in the literature mostly concentrate on either a single enzyme or a single enzyme family [36 41].
Science
In the five previous instances in a postseason series in which they took a 2-0 lead under Torre, not once did they let the series last even six games.
News & Media
The Jets said that in three previous instances, five players on the team had gone to the Pro Bowl.
News & Media
In several previous instances, cable companies have gone to the point of allowing networks to be blocked on their systems, precipitating outraged complaints from subscribers.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "in previous instances", ensure that the context clearly establishes what events or situations you are referring back to. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "in previous instances" when referring to a single, specific event. Use it to refer to multiple occurrences. For a single event, a phrase like "in the previous instance" is more appropriate.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "in previous instances" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing context about when something occurred. It specifies that the action or situation being described has happened before. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.
Frequent in
News & Media
53%
Science
35%
Wiki
12%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "in previous instances" serves as an adverbial phrase to provide context by referring to past occurrences. It's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting well in news, scientific writing, and general communication. Ludwig highlights its effective use in establishing patterns or precedents. When writing, remember that this phrase is best used when referencing multiple past occurrences, not a single event. For varied expression, alternatives like "in prior cases" or "on prior occasions" can be considered.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
in prior cases
Replaces 'previous instances' with 'prior cases', offering a slightly more formal tone.
in earlier examples
Substitutes 'previous instances' with 'earlier examples', focusing on specific examples rather than general occurrences.
in past occurrences
Replaces 'previous instances' with 'past occurrences', emphasizing the act of happening in the past.
on prior occasions
Uses 'prior occasions' instead of 'previous instances', changing the structure slightly to use 'on'.
in former situations
Replaces 'previous instances' with 'former situations', highlighting the context or circumstances.
in preceding situations
Uses 'preceding situations' instead of 'previous instances', suggesting a sequence or order.
in earlier situations
Similar to 'in former situations', but uses 'earlier' for a less formal tone.
in prior situations
Uses 'prior situations' replacing 'previous instances', maintaining a formal connotation.
in times past
Emphasizes the passage of time, replacing 'previous instances' with a more general reference to the past.
in days gone by
Similar to 'in times past', but with a slightly more archaic or literary feel.
FAQs
How can I use "in previous instances" in a sentence?
You can use "in previous instances" to refer to things that have happened before. For example, "In previous instances, the company has chosen to invest in renewable energy."
What are some alternatives to "in previous instances"?
Some alternatives to "in previous instances" include "in earlier examples", "in prior cases", or "on prior occasions". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is "in previous instances" formal or informal?
"In previous instances" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for academic writing, news reports, and professional communications. For more informal settings, simpler phrases like "in the past" might be more appropriate.
What's the difference between "in previous instances" and "in the previous instance"?
"In previous instances" refers to multiple past occurrences, whereas "in the previous instance" refers to a single, specific occurrence. Ensure you use the correct phrase based on whether you're referring to multiple situations or just one.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested