in two separate instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in two separate instances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two distinct occurrences of an event or action. Example: "The error was reported in two separate instances, indicating a recurring issue that needs to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In two separate instances, each lasting several days, seismometers on the ocean floor picked up very-low-frequency signals migrating along the upper part of this subduction zone.

The New Yorker

State-controlled television reported today that an election official had been detained for tampering with ballots and that boxes had been improperly opened after counting in two separate instances.

The New York Times

The substance - a lubricant used to improve the engine performance of ships - was found on seabirds, mainly guillemots, in two separate instances between January and May.

BBC

The wildlife charity hopes the review of the hazard classification of the substance - found on seabirds in two separate instances between January and May - will lead to a ban on discharges at sea.

BBC

The Irish Annals have provided perhaps the most useful resource for identifying the battle site, giving the location as Dún Nechtain, 'Nechtan's Fort', a name that has survived into modern usage in two separate instances.

Wikipedia

In two separate instances, teams working at two operative sites considered themselves as a unified team with a single Clinical Director resulting in 15 individual teams.

BMC Oral Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In three separate instances, drivers of snow-clearing vehicles were shot at when they collided with other vehicles; one of the drivers, shot by an off-duty police officer, died.

The New Yorker

In 2015, Chipotle faced a series of outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, including an E. coli outbreak that spread across nine states, a salmonella outbreak in Minnesota and two separate instances of norovirus.

Huffington Post

In late 2017, at the height of the #MeToo movement, the actor was made to apologize for two separate instances in which he groped women on camera in the early aughts.

The New Yorker

They had been tasked with investigating two separate instances in which an intoxicated person died while in care, the first in an RCMP cell and the second in a local detox facility.

Vice

Just this year, there have been two separate instances in which swastikas have been graffitied on residence halls.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in two separate instances" when you want to emphasize that two events or situations occurred independently of each other. This helps to clarify that there is no direct causal link or connection between the occurrences.

Common error

Avoid using "in two separate instances" in informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "twice" or "on two occasions" may be more appropriate for casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in two separate instances" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the frequency and distinct nature of an event's occurrence. As Ludwig AI shows, this expression serves to indicate that a particular situation has occurred on two different and unrelated occasions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in two separate instances" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates two distinct occurrences of an event, emphasizing their independence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting its common use in news, science, and wiki contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "on two distinct occasions" or "in two individual cases", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It's best practice to use the phrase when highlighting the lack of connection between the two events, while avoiding it in highly informal contexts where simpler alternatives may suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on two distinct occasions

Emphasizes the uniqueness and separateness of the events in terms of timing.

in two individual cases

Highlights the individuality of each case or event.

on two different occasions

Stresses the difference between the times the events happened.

in two discrete events

Focuses on the fact that the events are clearly distinguishable and not connected.

in two separate events

A shorter alternative with a focus on distinct occurrences.

twice, in different situations

Rephrases the concept to emphasize frequency and differing circumstances.

on a couple of occasions

Less formal way to indicate that something happened twice.

in a couple of instances

Another less formal way to mention that something happened twice.

in two isolated incidents

Emphasizes the lack of connection between the occurrences.

on two unique occasions

Highlights the individuality and specific nature of each occasion.

FAQs

How can I use "in two separate instances" in a sentence?

You can use "in two separate instances" to indicate that something happened twice, but each occurrence was distinct and not directly related. For example, "The system failed "in two separate instances", requiring immediate attention".

What's the difference between "in two separate instances" and "on two occasions"?

"In two separate instances" emphasizes the independence of the events, while "on two occasions" simply indicates that something happened twice. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the separation or just the frequency. For instance, if you want to emphasize the unique nature of the events is better to use the QUERY over "on two occasions".

Are there less formal alternatives to "in two separate instances"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like "twice", "a couple of times", or "on two different occasions" if you don't need to emphasize the separation of the events.

When should I use "in two separate instances" instead of "in two similar instances"?

Use "in two separate instances" when the events are distinct and unrelated. Use "in two similar instances" when the events are distinct but share key characteristics or features. The QUERY emphasizes independence and distinctness, while "in two similar instances" emphasizes common attributes.