in some instances

USAGE SUMMARY

"in some instances" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when referring to a specific and limited number of examples, cases, or situations. For example, "In some instances, it can be difficult to determine the correct course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In some instances?

The New York Times

In some instances, no.

Princeton University

In some instances, no Bengalis at all.

Independent

In some instances it made her depressed.

Independent

"Has it happened in some instances?

The New York Times

In some instances, he was simply mangled.

The New York Times

In some instances, this has already happened.

The New York Times - Science

In some instances, it has worked magnificently.

The New York Times

In some instances, it has.

The Guardian

In some instances, they were.

The New York Times

In some instances, it worked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by placing "in some instances" at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence for better flow.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "in some instances" as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Try using synonyms like "sometimes", "occasionally", or "in certain cases" to diversify your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in some instances" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that the action or state being described occurs only sometimes or under certain conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Forbes

1%

Huffington Post

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in some instances" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase. As verified by Ludwig AI, it serves to qualify statements by indicating that they are not universally true, but rather occur only under specific conditions. Commonly found in news and academic contexts, the phrase adds precision and nuance to writing. While it's a useful tool, writers should avoid overusing it to prevent redundancy. Consider using alternatives like "in certain cases" or "sometimes" to maintain variety in your writing. Be mindful of its formality and use it appropriately based on your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In several instances

Indicates that the event occurs more than a few times but not frequently.

In certain cases

Emphasizes specific situations or scenarios where something occurs.

In select situations

Emphasizes that the instances are carefully chosen or specific.

Under some circumstances

Highlights that specific conditions must be met for something to happen.

In a few situations

Focuses on the limited number of scenarios where an event takes place.

In a minority of cases

Emphasizes that the event is not the norm but happens in a smaller portion of cases.

On several occasions

Similar to "on occasion" but suggests a slightly higher frequency.

On occasion

Highlights that something happens sporadically or not very often.

To a limited extent

Highlights that the effect or occurrence is not complete or widespread.

Sometimes

A more general term indicating that something happens at certain times but not always.

FAQs

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

"In some instances" is used to indicate that something is true or happens in a limited number of cases, but not always. For example: "In some instances, it works, but not every time."

What phrases are similar to "in some instances"?

Alternatives to "in some instances" include phrases like "in certain cases", "sometimes", or "on occasion", which all suggest that something is not always true or does not always happen.

Is it better to use "in some instances" or "sometimes"?

Both "in some instances" and "sometimes" can be used to indicate that something is not always true. "In some instances" might be preferred in more formal writing, while "sometimes" is more common in everyday conversation. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "in some instances" and "in all instances"?

"In some instances" indicates that something is true or happens only in certain situations, while "in all instances" means that something is true or happens every time without exception. They have opposite meanings.