in several instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in several instances' is correct and is used in written English.
You can use it to refer to multiple, specific and separate examples. For example, "In several instances, I have seen a dramatic increase in customer engagement after implementing the new system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In several instances, health professionals were complicit.

The New York Times

And we've had it in several instances.

The New York Times

In several instances, Ms. Lee calls for prepared mashed potatoes.

The New York Times - Food

Peacekeepers were disarmed by rebels in several instances.

The New York Times

In several instances, Page-Turner decided to enter the fray.

The New Yorker

In several instances, Condé's security forces fired on protesters.

The New Yorker

In several instances, simplicity marketing is implicit rather than explicit.

The New York Times

The families are also interrelated in several instances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In several instances there are two vellum versions of the same composition.

The New York Times - Arts

The four defendants are accused of collaborating with ethnic Hutu militias in several instances of killing.

The New York Times

In several instances the estate agents recommend law firms to help a buyer hide his identity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in several instances" to provide specific, distinct examples rather than to describe continuous or ongoing situations.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on vague quantifiers like "in several instances" without providing concrete examples or further details to support your statement. Instead, try to be specific about the cases you're referencing or quantify them precisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in several instances" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate that something has occurred on more than one occasion. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is considered grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Unknown

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in several instances" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to introduce multiple, distinct examples or occurrences of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's well-regarded and readily found in a variety of contexts, especially in news and media. While highly versatile, it's essential to ensure your usage aligns with the context, opting for more precise language in scientific or academic writing if greater detail is needed. Be mindful not to overuse this phrase without supporting it with actual concrete evidence. By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate "in several instances" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in several examples

Replaces "instances" with "examples", focusing on specific illustrations.

in a few cases

Uses a more concise and less formal way to convey a similar meaning.

on several occasions

Substitutes "instances" with "occasions", emphasizing the timing of events.

in numerous instances

Replaces "several" with "numerous", suggesting a larger quantity of occurrences.

in multiple instances

Uses "multiple" instead of "several", highlighting that there is more than one.

in various instances

Replaces "several" with "various", implying a diversity of occurrences.

in different instances

Emphasizes the distinction among the occurrences.

in a number of cases

Uses "a number of cases" to indicate multiple situations.

repeatedly

Focuses on the recurring nature of an event, rather than distinct instances.

frequently

Emphasizes the high frequency of events, without necessarily being separate instances.

FAQs

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

Use "in several instances" to introduce specific examples or situations that support a claim or illustrate a point. For example, "In several instances, the new policy led to improved efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "in several instances"?

Alternatives include "in a few cases", "on several occasions", or "in numerous instances". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "in several instances" formal or informal?

"In several instances" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for academic, business, and journalistic writing. Less formal alternatives exist if you wish to adopt a more casual tone.

How does "in several instances" differ from "frequently"?

"In several instances" points to specific, separate examples, whereas "frequently" describes how often something occurs, without necessarily implying distinct occurrences. For example, "The program crashed "in several instances"" implies distinct crashes, while "The program crashed frequently" implies it crashed often.