in this specific instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in this specific instance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular situation or example that is being discussed. Example: "In this specific instance, we need to consider the unique circumstances that apply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

There's some basis for this argument in this specific instance.

The New York Times

William Hodgman, who leads the unit, said, "In this specific instance, we couldn't prove any criminal behavior by the paparazzi".

The New York Times

But, in this specific instance, I cannot see how these papers alone were guilty of breaking the law.

The Guardian

But the hyperbole cannot conceal that he is wrong -- wrong in this specific instance, and wrongheaded in general.

The New York Times

In this specific instance, Rakoff, with an assist from the financial press, actually has a small window to keep up the questioning on the SEC.

The Guardian - Money

In this specific instance, Prince not only added his own opaque comments under individuals' pictures before he took screen shots, but also reported previous comments as spam, ensuring they disappeared (when viewed on his own account), pushing his own comments to the top – thereby arguably altering the original work.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Carney answers snippily: "Director Clapper has addressed this specific instance" in which he denied to the Senate that the government collects data on millions of Americans, he says.

The Guardian

In the specific instance of Iraq, he said he would support military action only if it were first approved by the United Nations.

The New York Times

14 In this experiential approach, performing an action in a specific instance and considering its effects is precedent to generalisation.

BMJ Open

Apart from this, in specific instances non-B DNA conformations have been mechanistically linked to recombination-related events [6], [7].

Plosone

"It is hard to know what a person would and wouldn't do in any specific instance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in this specific instance" to clearly indicate you are focusing on a particular example or situation, avoiding generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "in this specific instance" when discussing broad trends or general rules. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a particular example that deviates from the norm or requires special attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in this specific instance" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a clause or sentence. It serves to limit the scope of a statement to a particular situation, clarifying that the statement is not intended as a general rule.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in this specific instance" is a useful tool for precise communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed to narrow the scope of a statement to a particular situation. Use it to signal a focus on a single case, preventing misunderstandings or overgeneralizations. While variations like "in this particular case" and "in this unique situation" offer similar meanings, "in this specific instance" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in this particular case

Replaces 'specific instance' with 'particular case', emphasizing a legal or formal context.

in this unique situation

Substitutes 'specific instance' with 'unique situation', stressing the unusual or exceptional nature of the event.

under these circumstances

Replaces the entire phrase, focusing on the set of conditions affecting the situation.

given this scenario

Uses 'scenario' to indicate a hypothetical or projected situation, implying a plan or forecast.

in this context

Shortens the phrase, emphasizing the surrounding environment or conditions that affect the event.

for this event

Focuses narrowly on a single occurrence, making it suitable for discussing immediate actions.

considering this matter

Shifts the focus to deliberation, suggesting a careful and thoughtful assessment.

regarding this incident

Highlights a noteworthy occurrence, often with implications of investigation or response.

on this occasion

Implies a formal or ceremonious setting, suitable for celebrations or special events.

as it stands

Indicates the current state of affairs, usually implying that change or action may be necessary.

FAQs

How can I use "in this specific instance" in a sentence?

Use "in this specific instance" to narrow down a discussion to a particular case or example. For instance, "In this specific instance, the company's decision was justified due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "in this specific instance"?

You can use alternatives like "in this particular case", "in this unique situation", or "under these circumstances" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "in this specific instance" and "in general"?

"In this specific instance" refers to a particular situation, while "in general" refers to overall trends or common occurrences. They are contrasting phrases used for different purposes.

Is it redundant to say "in this specific instance"?

While "instance" already implies specificity, using "in this specific instance" can add emphasis and clarity, especially when distinguishing a single case from a broader discussion. It is not necessarily redundant, but context-dependent.