instances in which

USAGE SUMMARY

"instances in which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to specific situations or occurrences. For example: "There have been several instances in which the team has come back from a large deficit to win the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here are four instances in which the west has sabotaged its moral authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Find instances in which a word or phrase has been used to make money.

The New York Times

"Were there instances in which you sought to have input into the allocation of I.P.O.

The New York Times

There are instances in which legendary drunks have inspired equally legendary performances.

The Guardian

There are surely instances in which hospital closings may be appropriate.

The New York Times

The report cites two instances in which Blackwater gunmen engaged in tactical military operations.

The New York Times

It's one of those rare, shiver-making instances in which language seems to become truly physical.

The New York Times

And there have been many smaller instances in which the terminal became the prime evacuation destination.

The New York Times

It was, he said, "one of the rare instances in which qualifications superseded politics".

The New York Times

But the researchers also found many instances in which governments were simply breaking the rules.

The New York Times

Functionally, there are two instances in which the design of this structure especially justifies itself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instances in which", ensure the clause following it provides specific and concrete details about the situation you are describing. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice immediately after "instances in which". Instead of saying "instances in which mistakes were made", opt for "instances in which people made mistakes" for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instances in which" functions as a relative clause introducer. It is used to specify particular occurrences or examples within a broader context. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instances in which" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to introduce specific examples or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse fields such as news, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, ensure clarity by providing concrete details following the phrase and avoid overuse of the passive voice. Consider alternatives like "situations where" or "cases in which" to adapt the tone to your specific context. Remember that "instances in which" functions to provide clarity and specificity by highlighting examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

situations in which

Reiterates the original meaning using "situations" instead of "instances".

situations where

Replaces "in which" with "where", focusing more on the location or circumstances of the instances.

cases in which

Substitutes "instances" with "cases", implying a more formal or legalistic tone.

occasions when

Replaces "instances in which" with "occasions when", focusing on specific events or times.

times when

Similar to "occasions when", but more general and less formal.

circumstances where

Emphasizes the surrounding conditions or context of the occurrences.

events where

Focuses on specific happenings or occurrences.

examples where

Highlights that the instances serve as illustrations or demonstrations.

scenarios in which

Implies a hypothetical or descriptive situation.

contexts where

Focuses on the broader setting or environment.

FAQs

How can I use "instances in which" in a sentence?

Use "instances in which" to introduce examples or situations where something specific occurs. For example, "There are many "situations in which" this rule applies."

What are some alternatives to "instances in which"?

You can use alternatives such as "situations where", "cases in which", or "occasions when" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "instances in which" or "situations where"?

Both "instances in which" and "situations where" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context. "Instances in which" might sound slightly more formal.

What is the difference between "instances in which" and "examples of when"?

"Instances in which" is generally used to refer to actual occurrences, while "examples of when" highlights specific illustrations or demonstrations. The former is broader, while the latter is more focused on providing clear examples.