instances when I

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instances when I" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to specific situations or occurrences in which you have done something or experienced something. Example: "There have been several instances when I felt overwhelmed by the workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is one of those instances when I do have two roles," she said.

The New York Times

There were instances when I wondered, but I couldn't say those were signs of Alzheimer's.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I rarely write profiles, and in the few instances when I have, I've tended to establish a sharp critical distance between myself and my subject.

The New Yorker

"I saw too many instances, when I was very junior in the C.I.A. and elsewhere," he recalled, "where somebody would come in and try to impose change from the top and not listen to people.

The New York Times - Magazine

There are many instances when I'm more than happy my data are used without having to do something actively".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

They arise, for instance, when i) a transposable element nesting an unrelated element is mobilised, transducing the nested element; or ii) recombination between TE or ERV sequences leads to a new replication-competent element.

BMC Genomics

I cannot think of any other instance when I forbade my wife from doing anything.

The New Yorker

Like, for instance, when I got food poisoning it wasn't the chef's fault.

The New Yorker

For instance, when I first met my wife, I didn't do computations.

The New York Times - Science

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instances when I" to refer to specific, identifiable occurrences or examples of something you have experienced or done. It is often used to provide evidence or illustrate a point.

Common error

While "instances when I" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure using synonyms like "occasions when I" or "times when I" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instances when I" functions as a noun phrase introducing a relative clause. It identifies specific occurrences or situations experienced by the speaker. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to provide examples or support an argument.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instances when I" is a versatile phrase used to introduce specific examples or situations experienced by the speaker. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media sources. When writing, consider using synonyms like "times when I" or "occasions when I" for variety. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of the phrase, making it a reliable choice for expressing personal experiences and providing supporting evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

times when I

Emphasizes the frequency or duration of the occurrences.

occasions when I

Suggests a more formal or specific event.

situations where I

Highlights the circumstances surrounding the action.

moments when I

Focuses on specific points in time.

cases where I

Implies a specific example or problem.

periods when I

Refers to extended durations or phases.

instances that I

Restructures the phrase while maintaining similar meaning.

episodes when I

Suggests a distinct event, often negative.

junctures when I

Implies a critical or decisive moment.

circumstances where I

Focuses on the background conditions of an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "instances when I" to introduce specific examples or situations where you experienced something. For example: "There were several "instances when I" felt overwhelmed by the workload."

What are some alternatives to "instances when I"?

You can use alternatives like "times when I", "occasions when I", or "situations where I" depending on the context.

Is "instances when I" formal or informal?

"Instances when I" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives.

What's the difference between "instances when I" and "times when I"?

While similar, "instances when I" often implies a more specific or noteworthy occurrence, whereas "times when I" may refer to more general or frequent occurrences.