in the former instance

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the former instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare or contrast with a later or more recent example or instance. Example: In the former instance, the company implemented cost-cutting measures to increase profits, but in the latter instance, they focused on improving customer satisfaction.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Perhaps it is simply that, in the former instance, one's sense of impermanence is stronger.

The New Yorker

In the former instance, it is an emblematic tale of shattered faith in the American dream.

The Guardian - Film

In the former instance, the donee would, it is argued, prefer to bear the risk that the donor might break his promise.

Harvard University

In the former instance, the shaman would suck out the foreign object; in the latter, he would go out at night and bring the wandering soul back.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the former instance, his radio documentary about the environmental consequences of a hydroelectric dam in Panama funded by a Dutch bank prompted questions in the Dutch parliament.

The Guardian

They were both backed by Kremlin money, diverted through cutouts (the Communist International, in the former instance; a couple of Russian oligarchs, allegedly, in the latter).

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

In the latter instances, compartments in the periphery of the AVM have to be targeted, whereas in the former instances, the neurosurgeon has to point out the target to the neurointerventionalist.

European Radiology

In all of the former instances, a ruling in the defendant's favor completely precludes conviction, at least on that indictment.

Cornell University

The former instances should be manifest as outliers in a graph of coverage by size.

BMC Genomics

In the former two instances, however, we could exploit the models to further extract the early gene-expression signatures that accurately predict the onset of diabetes and obesity.

BMC Systems Biology

In the former Yugoslavia, for instance, "it is difficult to imagine how the Serb nationalist obsession with the battle of Kosovo Skopje in 1389 could have been more destructive to everyone affected by it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "previously", "earlier", or "in the prior case" if the context is already well-established.

Common error

Avoid using "in the former instance" without a corresponding "in the latter instance". This creates an incomplete comparison and can confuse the reader. Always ensure you're setting up a clear contrast.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the former instance" acts as a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the context or condition being discussed. This expression helps to refer back to the first of two items, situations, or cases that have been mentioned, clarifying which one is being discussed. As Ludwig AI suggests, this expression is used to compare or contrast with a later or more recent example.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the former instance" is a grammatically sound and useful tool for establishing clear comparisons within writing. As Ludwig AI accurately points out, it serves to contrast a previous case with a subsequent one. While relatively uncommon, its usage is widespread across reputable sources like "The Guardian", "The New Yorker", and academic publications, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral contexts. Remember to balance its use with a corresponding "in the latter instance" to maintain clarity and avoid leaving comparisons incomplete.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the prior case

Replaces "former instance" with "prior case", maintaining a formal tone but with a slightly different word choice.

in the first case

Replaces "former instance" with "first case", highlighting the order or sequence of events.

in the preceding situation

Substitutes "former instance" with "preceding situation", emphasizing the sequence of events or circumstances.

in the initial situation

Uses "initial situation" instead of "former instance", stressing the beginning or starting point.

in the earlier situation

Replaces "former instance" with "earlier situation", offering a simpler and slightly less formal alternative.

in the above case

Implies reference to a case mentioned earlier, offering a direct connection to the preceding context.

previously

A concise adverbial alternative that relies on contextual understanding to imply the "former instance".

initially

A concise adverbial alternative that implies what came before.

to begin with

Indicates the start of a sequence or comparison, setting the stage for further discussion.

at first

A simpler expression meaning in the beginning of the sequence

FAQs

How do you use "in the former instance" in a sentence?

"In the former instance" is used to refer back to the first of two things that you have mentioned. For example: "We considered two options: reducing staff or cutting salaries. In the former instance, morale would suffer; in the latter, productivity might decline."

What is a synonym for "in the former instance"?

Synonyms for "in the former instance" include "in the prior case", "in the earlier situation", or "previously", depending on the context.

Is it necessary to use "in the latter instance" after using "in the former instance"?

While not grammatically required, it is best practice to use "in the latter instance" after "in the former instance" to create a balanced and clear comparison for the reader.

What's the difference between "in the former instance" and "in the first instance"?

"In the former instance" refers to one of two things already mentioned. "In the first instance" typically refers to the initial action or occurrence in a series of events, and it doesn't necessarily imply a second item for comparison.