instances when

USAGE SUMMARY

'instances when' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to specific moments or events. For example, "There are some instances when it is necessary to make exceptions to the standard rule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are instances when it has worked.

The New York Times

There were instances, when they were teenagers.

The Guardian - Books

Notwithstanding, obviously, instances when I am making an ironic joke.

The Guardian - Opinion

In those rare instances when he can't, he just guesses.

The New Yorker

There have been other instances when he held back".

The New York Times - Sports

In the rare instances when Gagne fails, he vents.

The New York Times - Sports

There have been past instances when non-U.S.

The Guardian

"There are instances when a passkey would be appropriate".

The New York Times

On the few instances when Holly came with her, we introduced her as Kathy's friend.

The New York Times

The report documented 11 instances when "oversight" mechanisms offered limited or no scrutiny.

The Guardian

His eyes betrayed this dark self-assessment, in those instances when he lifted his head.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instances when" to refer to specific, identifiable occurrences, especially when documenting or analyzing events. For example, "There are several instances when the data deviates from the norm."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "instances when" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "times when" or "situations where" for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instances when" functions as a relative clause introducing specific situations or occurrences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, allowing for clear and precise communication regarding events or moments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instances when" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase suitable for referring to specific occurrences or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is well-established in English writing. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives like "times when" in informal settings. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register and serves to provide concrete examples or cases to support statements. Top sources include The New York Times and The Guardian, highlighting its prevalence in authoritative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

situations where

Replaces "when" with "where", focusing on the circumstances rather than the timing.

occasions when

Substitutes "instances" with "occasions", suggesting a more formal or noteworthy occurrence.

times when

Uses the simpler term "times" instead of "instances", making the phrase more casual.

cases where

Replaces "instances" with "cases", typically used in legal or analytical contexts.

circumstances under which

Emphasizes the conditions that lead to an event, adding a layer of formality.

situations in which

Offers a more formal alternative, restructuring the phrase to emphasize the specific context.

periods when

Highlights a duration or span of time during which something happens.

moments when

Emphasizes specific points in time, creating a sense of immediacy.

events where

Focuses on specific happenings or incidents rather than general occurrences.

junctures when

Uses a more sophisticated term, "junctures", to indicate critical or significant moments.

FAQs

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

"Instances when" is used to refer to specific occurrences of something. For example, "There are "instances when care had to be prioritised"", meaning there were specific situations where prioritizing care was necessary.

What are some alternatives to "instances when"?

Alternatives include "situations where", "occasions when", and "times when", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to use "instances when" or "cases when"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "cases when" is often used in legal or analytical contexts, while "instances when" is a more general term for specific occurrences.

How formal is the phrase "instances when"?

"Instances when" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "times when" or "situations where". Choose the phrase that best suits the tone of your writing.