instance when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instance when" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a specific situation or “instance” that highlights a point or serves as an example. For example: "The teacher gave us an instance when we should use a specific grammar rule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For instance, when should the cameras record?

MIT Technology Review

Define: This is an instance when I define for them.

Stanford University

Can u please cite the instance when u spotted this?

The New Yorker

What happens, for instance, when a corporate outsider steals information?

The New York Times - Magazine

What happens, for instance, when there's a culture clash?

Independent

For instance, when does fair use become copyright infringement?

The New Yorker

As, for instance, when she describes working with Ozon.

The Guardian - Film

For instance, when I'm talking about the dead man's penis".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was only one instance when Capriati lost her rhythm.

The New York Times - Sports

Look at this instance when it went my way.

Harvard Business Review

Say for instance when Jayson Blair was there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instance when" to introduce a specific example that illustrates a general point or principle. It helps to ground abstract ideas in concrete situations.

Common error

Avoid using "instance when" in overly complex sentences where simpler phrasing would suffice. For example, instead of saying "There was an instance when the system failed unexpectedly", consider "The system failed unexpectedly once."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instance when" functions as a relative clause, introducing a specific example or occurrence related to the main clause. As supported by Ludwig, it is used to provide concrete illustrations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

31%

Science

28%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instance when" functions as a relative clause used to introduce specific examples to support a general point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile. Its register is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in academia, news, and scientific publications. While there are several alternative phrases like "occasion when" and "case where", the choice depends on the desired emphasis—time, situation, or occurrence. When using "instance when", be mindful of avoiding redundant phrasing to maintain clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasion when

Replaces "instance" with "occasion", emphasizing the specific occurrence.

time when

Uses the broader term "time" instead of "instance", focusing on a point in time.

situation where

Shifts from a temporal focus to a situational one, using "where" instead of "when".

case where

Emphasizes a specific example or occurrence, similar to "instance".

moment that

Highlights a precise moment in time when something happens.

episode where

Suggests a specific event or part of a series of events.

circumstance where

Focuses on the set of conditions surrounding an event.

point at which

Emphasizes a specific point in time or a stage in a process.

period when

Refers to a length of time during which something occurs.

scenario where

Describes a hypothetical situation or a possible course of events.

FAQs

How can I use "instance when" in a sentence?

The phrase "instance when" is used to introduce a specific example. For example, "There was an instance when the power went out during the surgery".

What are some alternatives to using "instance when"?

You can use alternatives such as "occasion when", "time when", or "case where" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "instance when" or "example when"?

"Instance when" and "example when" are similar, but "instance when" often implies a specific occurrence that has already happened. "Example when" is more general, referring to a hypothetical situation.

What's the difference between "instance when" and "situation where"?

"Instance when" focuses on a specific occurrence in time, while "situation where" emphasizes the circumstances or conditions surrounding an event. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the timing or the context.