in the previous instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the previous instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to a specific situation or example that was mentioned earlier in the text. Example: "In the previous instance, we observed that the results were significantly different from our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While migration is typically an individual or household-based investment, driven by correspondingly "private" aspirations, it still takes place within a broader texture of pervasive social representations and shared aspirations (including the "depressed" ones, as in the previous instance of no-future-here).

Comparative Migration Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But state law allows an exception in rare cases if the previous instances show a longstanding pattern of behavior.

Huffington Post

"There haven't been many popes to resign, but in the previous instances the popes did not live long after abdicating," said Alistair Sear, a priest and church historian.

Huffington Post

The previous instance, May 20-22 in Atlanta, produced a five-game losing streak that jeopardized Randolph's job heading into a meeting with ownership.

The New York Times - Sports

In each of the previous instances, however, presidents have steadfastly declined to sign death warrants.There is no reason to believe this executive will buck the trend.

The Economist

We now focus on some characterizations of the so-called critical speed - i.e., the value (c^) such that every (c geq c^) is admissible - for functions of type A. In the previous example (15), for instance, we have (c^=2 sqrt{M}).

Boundary Value Problems

For instance, in the previous example, for with we have.

Boundary Value Problems

For instance, in the previous example, we can prune away (8.1) and (7.2) as both are embedded in (7.2 8.1).

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

For instance, in the previous example of the Michaelis Menten enzymatic reaction, the hypotheses that the substrate is in excess and the complex formation is much faster than the other reactions justify the elimination of the intermediary reactions.

Bioinformatics

For example, the rule describes a reaction from A 0) to A(1) under the condition that A encloses at least one species C. Please note, this rule may also match species where A 0) contains further species in addition to the C (no matter which and how many), for instance like in the previous example.

BMC Systems Biology

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.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the previous instance" to clearly refer back to a specific event, example, or situation already discussed to avoid ambiguity and maintain coherence.

Common error

Avoid confusing "instance" (a particular occurrence) with "instant" (a moment in time). "In the previous instant" would refer to the immediately preceding moment, which is different from referring to a prior situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the previous instance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing context related to a prior occurrence. It serves to connect a current statement to a specific event or example mentioned earlier, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

53%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the previous instance" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to refer back to a specific occurrence, example, or situation mentioned earlier in a text. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, it appears in various contexts, primarily in news, media and scientific writing. To maintain clarity and precision, it is important to avoid confusing "instance" with "instant". Similar phrases include "in the preceding case" and "in the earlier example", offering alternatives to express the same connection to a prior event or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the preceding case

Replaces 'previous' with 'preceding' and 'instance' with 'case', maintaining the same meaning.

in the prior situation

Replaces 'previous' with 'prior' and 'instance' with 'situation', slightly altering the context.

in the earlier example

Substitutes 'previous' with 'earlier' and 'instance' with 'example', focusing on illustrative cases.

in the foregoing situation

Uses 'foregoing' to indicate something mentioned earlier, providing a formal tone.

in the above scenario

Refers to a situation outlined earlier, using 'above' to locate the reference.

in the former situation

Uses 'former' to specify the first of two things just mentioned.

as previously mentioned

Directly indicates something already stated, lacking a specific noun.

in the last occurrence

Replaces 'instance' with 'occurrence', highlighting specific events.

beforehand

A single-word adverb meaning 'previously', offering a concise alternative.

previously

An adverb that simply means at an earlier time or in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "in the previous instance" in a sentence?

Use "in the previous instance" to refer back to a specific situation, example, or case that has already been discussed in the text. For example: "We observed a different outcome. In the previous instance, the results were as expected."

What phrases are similar to "in the previous instance"?

You can use alternatives like "in the preceding case", "in the prior situation", or "in the earlier example" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more formal to say "in the previous instance" or "previously"?

"In the previous instance" is generally more formal than simply saying "previously" because it provides a more specific reference point.

What's the difference between "in the previous instance" and "in the last instance"?

"In the previous instance" specifically refers to a prior situation already mentioned. "In the last instance" could refer to the most recent occurrence of something, which may or may not have been explicitly discussed.