it was a simple instance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a simple instance of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a straightforward example or occurrence of something, often to clarify a point or argument. Example: "In the meeting, it was a simple instance of miscommunication that led to the confusion among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A simple instance of the Classifier has been also developed.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

We first consider a simpler instance of this problem where there is only one machine.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

At its simplest, this is the thesis that anything has non-instrumental value if and only if it is an instance of pleasure, and has non-instrumental disvalue if and only if it is an instance of pain or displeasure.

SEP

This is a simple way to generate instances of empathy on a daily basis.

WikiHow

Noise, for instance, is a simple springboard into a deep pool of these intricacies.

The New Yorker

The following proposition (from Aristotle), for instance, is a simple truth of logic: "If sight is perception, the objects of sight are objects of perception".

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a very pure and simple instance of Will misleading his readers.

Huffington Post

They write, for instance, "'I'll see you at the conference' is a simple statement of fact.

The Guardian - Books

This is the simplest instance of so-called digital control25.

Nature

And to me, this is the simplest instance of these interactions in computation and statistical models.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This was a rare instance of restraint.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a simple instance of" to introduce a clear and easily understandable example that supports a broader point or argument. This helps clarify complex ideas by grounding them in specific occurrences.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a simple instance of" when the example is self-evident or trivial. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or even condescending to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a simple instance of" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling that what follows is an example intended to clarify or illustrate a point. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and serves to introduce an uncomplicated example.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a simple instance of" is a grammatically correct introductory phrase used to present an easily understandable example. While not commonly used, according to Ludwig, it effectively clarifies a point by providing a concrete illustration. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, although avoiding overuse in trivial situations is advisable. Consider alternatives like "it was merely a case of" or "it exemplified" for variety. The phrase is useful in providing clarity by grounding abstract concepts in relatable occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was merely a case of

This alternative suggests that the situation was just a specific occurrence of something, often implying a simplification of the situation.

it was just an example of

This alternative directly points to the situation being a particular example, emphasizing its representative nature.

it exemplified

This alternative replaces the entire phrase with a single verb, making it more concise and direct, highlighting the illustrative quality of the instance.

it served as a clear illustration of

This alternative emphasizes the clarity and illustrative purpose of the instance, often used in more formal contexts.

it was a basic example of

This focuses on the foundational or uncomplicated nature of the instance, highlighting its simplicity.

it demonstrated

This alternative replaces the phrase with a verb that shows how the situation proves or reveals something.

it represented a clear cut case of

This alternative underscores the straightforward and unambiguous nature of the instance.

it highlighted

This alternative indicates that the instance brought attention to something specific, making it stand out.

it was a typical demonstration of

This shows that the instance is not unique and represents an expected or usual example.

it provided an instance of

This keeps the word "instance" but simplifies the rest of the phrase, focusing on the act of providing an occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a simple instance of" in a sentence?

Use "it was a simple instance of" to introduce an easily understandable example. For instance, "The error in the calculation was a simple instance of mistyping a number" shows how a general issue manifests specifically.

What are some alternatives to "it was a simple instance of"?

You can use alternatives like "it was merely a case of", "it was just an example of", or "it exemplified" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it was a simple instance of" in writing?

Use "it was a simple instance of" when you want to clarify a concept by providing a straightforward, easily grasped example. It's particularly useful when explaining abstract ideas or complex processes.

What's the difference between "it was a simple instance of" and "it was merely a case of"?

"It was a simple instance of" is used to present an illustrative example, while "it was merely a case of" often suggests a simplification or dismissal of complexity in a situation.