instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific occurrence or example of something. Example: "In this instance, we will need to adjust our approach to meet the client's needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

David Lean, for instance.

The New York Times

Take Russia, for instance.

The New York Times

My party and, indeed, the Conservative party have been on record as being very against the proposal by the previous Labour government, for instance, to legislate for a wider amnesty and we want to see the rule of law always be applied.

The Guardian

They know the bank they're trading with may be taking the other side of the trade (in the Abacus deal, for instance, the flipbook said that Goldman might be short the securities).

The Economist

In one instance, Koelma sent a draft letter from O'Farrell's office in support of AWH's bid for a lucrative public-private partnership to the water company's chief executive, Nick Di Girolamo, asking him for input.

The Guardian

It used to be an opportunist crime – a dog taken from outside a shop, for instance – but now "it's much more about organised crime, where particular places are targeted, [such as] kennels, where there can be multiple thefts, particularly for valuable dogs".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human rights activists and politicians in South Africa, for instance, closely studied German trials, public commemoration and schoolbooks; and the Chinese admonished Japan that, in dealing with the second world war, it should adopt the "German model".

The Guardian - Opinion

Some outside observers picked up on this peculiar form of pride – a kind of anti-nationalist nationalism – and gently mocked it: Timothy Garton Ash, for instance, spoke of Deutsche Industrie-Normen – a German industrial standard – in "coming to terms with the past"; others crowned the Germans "world champions in remembrance".

The Guardian - Opinion

This absence is at least partially explained by the thorough discrediting of nationalism after nazism and the fact that, unlike further east, communist elites did not become corrupt nouveaux riches (and therefore the subject of a rightwing backlash, as in Hungary, for instance).

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's the same number of unlicensed gangmasters as there is licensed, in the food-processing industry, for instance.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Sunday Times, for instance, used the myth as a question and answer in three quizzes, twice in 1998 and then again in 2000.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instance" to refer to a single, specific occurrence or example, especially when you want to emphasize its relevance to a broader point.

Common error

While "instance" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for more natural alternatives like "example" or "case" when speaking or writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The word "instance" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a particular occurrence or example of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct in English, and it's often used to introduce a specific case to support a general point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instance" is a versatile noun that refers to a specific occurrence or example. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios. While it can sometimes sound formal in casual settings, understanding its nuances will help you communicate more effectively. Be sure to consider the alternatives presented to you in order to choose the perfect language for your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for example

A direct synonym, offering a general way to introduce an example.

as an illustration

Similar to "for example", but emphasizes the clarifying nature of the example.

case in point

Highlights a specific instance that supports a preceding statement.

a specific case

Highlights a more particular event or situation than instance

in this situation

Focuses on a particular set of circumstances.

in one case

A more direct substitute to instance

a particular occasion

Refers to a specific event or time.

as a demonstration

Emphasizes the act of showing or proving something.

by way of example

A slightly more formal way to introduce an example.

consider the case of

Invites the listener or reader to think about a specific scenario.

FAQs

How can I use "instance" in a sentence?

You can use "instance" to refer to a particular occurrence or example of something, as in, "In this "instance", we need to adjust our strategy."

What are some alternatives to "instance"?

Alternatives to "instance" include "example", "case", or "occasion", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "instance"?

While grammatically correct, "instance" might sound too formal in informal settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "example" or "case" when communicating casually.

What's the difference between "instance" and "example"?

"Instance" typically refers to a specific occurrence, whereas "example" is a broader term for something that illustrates a general principle. Therefore, it's always better to check the usage of "example".