is there any instance when they

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is there any instance when they" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about specific situations or examples involving a subject referred to as "they." Example: "Is there any instance when they have successfully implemented this strategy?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were instances, when they were teenagers.

The Guardian - Books

Succession to the throne was hereditary but there were instances when this was overlooked.

Wikipedia

There was only one instance when Capriati lost her rhythm.

The New York Times - Sports

There was, however, one instance when liberals outperformed conservatives on the test.

Los Angeles Times

There will be instances in life when they're going to get pulled up on it.

BBC

There are certain instances when these devices are your best option.

WikiHow

However, there are many instances when the lowest price is not the best deal.

Forbes

However, there are many instances when H/T<1, as when a vessel is emptied or filled.

Chemical Engineering Science

There are occasional instances when the parentage of a particular orchid hybrid is disputed.

AoB PLANTS

So, there are often instances when compromises between what's ideal and what's possible must be hammered out.

Duke University

"There are many instances when we have seen brawls taking place around pubs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is there any instance when they", ensure that the context clearly defines who "they" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or background information to clarify the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "is there any instance when they" when a more general question is appropriate. This phrase implies a search for specific exceptions rather than overall trends or common behaviors. Ensure you're truly seeking a specific case, not general information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is there any instance when they" functions as an interrogative clause used to inquire about specific occurrences or examples involving a particular group (referred to as 'they'). It seeks to identify situations where a certain action or event takes place, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is there any instance when they" is a grammatically correct interrogative clause used to inquire about specific cases or exceptions involving a particular group. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "are there any situations where they" or "do they ever". When using this phrase, clarity regarding who "they" refers to is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Are there any situations where they

Replaces "instance" with "situation", focusing on scenarios rather than specific occurrences.

Are there any cases in which they

Substitutes "instance" with "case", highlighting particular examples or events.

Is there a time when they

Focuses on identifying a specific moment or period when something happens.

Do they ever

This is a simplified version asking if "they" perform a specific action at any time.

Can you provide an example where they

Directly asks for an illustrative case, emphasizing a specific demonstration.

Under what circumstances do they

Asks for specific conditions or situations that lead to a particular outcome.

In what situations do they

Similar to circumstances, this phrase seeks out the context of certain actions.

Is there any precedent for them to

Inquires about prior instances, emphasizing historical or established patterns.

When might they

This is a more concise query about possible timing.

Are there any recorded incidents of them

Highlights recorded examples, particularly in official contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "is there any instance when they" in a sentence?

Use "is there any instance when they" to inquire about specific cases or examples involving a defined group. For example: "Is there any instance when they have successfully implemented this strategy?"

What are some alternatives to "is there any instance when they"?

You can use alternatives like "are there any situations where they", "are there any cases in which they", or "do they ever" depending on the context.

Is "is there any instance when they" formal or informal?

"Is there any instance when they" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives such as "are there any circumstances under which they".

What's the difference between "is there any instance when they" and "are there instances when they"?

"Is there any instance when they" implies a search for a single, possibly exceptional case, while "are there instances when they" suggests the existence of multiple occurrences. The former seeks a specific exception, the latter seeks general evidence.