in separate instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in separate instances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to occurrences or events that happen individually rather than simultaneously or collectively. Example: "The data was collected in separate instances to ensure accuracy and reliability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In just the last week and a half, in separate instances, two young girls, ages 6 and 3, were attacked by coyotes in their Rye, N.Y., backyards.

The New York Times - Health

From 2005 to 2006, Dr Kohler, Ohio's first female medical examiner, ruled a homicide in the deaths of three men who, in separate instances, had struggled with police and been Tasered.

The Guardian

An off-duty police officer and an off-duty firefighter were arrested yesterday in separate instances and charged with driving while intoxicated, while a schoolteacher was charged with possession of marijuana, the police said.

The New York Times

The audio signal flow remains real-time while the required analysis of the input signals is performed in separate instances.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Videos of the two men (in separate instances), have solidified the claims and horrified millions.

Huffington Post

Statewide, two people drowned in separate instances after driving into flooded areas.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The homemade prison alcohol called pruno caused botulism in 5 California prison inmates in 2 separate instances.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

In two separate instances, each lasting several days, seismometers on the ocean floor picked up very-low-frequency signals migrating along the upper part of this subduction zone.

The New Yorker

In three separate instances, drivers of snow-clearing vehicles were shot at when they collided with other vehicles; one of the drivers, shot by an off-duty police officer, died.

The New Yorker

State-controlled television reported today that an election official had been detained for tampering with ballots and that boxes had been improperly opened after counting in two separate instances.

The New York Times

The substance - a lubricant used to improve the engine performance of ships - was found on seabirds, mainly guillemots, in two separate instances between January and May.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in separate instances" to clearly indicate that events or actions occurred independently of each other, avoiding any implication of connection or coordination.

Common error

Avoid using "in separate instances" when the events are related or part of a sequence. Opt for phrases that show connection if there's an existing direct link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in separate instances" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify that events or actions occurred individually and independently. Ludwig AI shows that this construction is commonly used to add clarity regarding the occurrence of distinct events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in separate instances" is a useful adverbial phrase that adds clarity by emphasizing the independent nature of events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears regularly in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing, use it to clearly convey that events happened individually, differentiating them from related or simultaneous occurrences. Consider alternatives like "on different occasions" or "in distinct cases" for varied expression. By understanding its purpose and context, you can effectively use "in separate instances" to enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on different occasions

Focuses on the timing of the events rather than the events themselves.

on separate occasions

Focuses on the timing of the events rather than the events themselves

in distinct cases

Emphasizes the individuality and uniqueness of each situation.

in isolated events

Highlights the lack of connection between the occurrences.

in discrete episodes

Emphasizes the isolated nature and definition of each event

at different times

Similar to "on different occasions", but more general.

in unrelated incidents

Underlines the independence and lack of connection among events

in individual situations

Highlights the focus on specific scenarios

in various instances

Stresses the multiplicity and variety of the occurrences.

at differing junctures

Uses more formal language to indicate different points in time or situations.

FAQs

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

Use "in separate instances" to show that events or actions occurred independently. For example, "The errors occurred "in separate instances", suggesting different causes for each."

What are some alternatives to "in separate instances"?

Alternatives include "on different occasions", "in distinct cases", or "at different times", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "in separate instances" and "separately"?

"Separately" is an adverb that describes how something is done, while "in separate instances" specifies that events happened individually. For example, actions can be performed separately, but events occur "in separate instances".

When is it appropriate to use "in separate instances" versus "in multiple instances"?

"In separate instances" emphasizes the independence of the events, while "in multiple instances" simply highlights that something occurred more than once. Use "in multiple instances" when the focus is on the frequency, not the isolation, such as: "The issue was observed "in multiple instances" during the test."