just an instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just an instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific example or occurrence of something, often to illustrate a point or clarify a situation. Example: "This is just an instance of how our team can overcome challenges when we work together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

He's not just an instance of moral luck; he is an inventor of moral luck.

The New Yorker

Afterward, Francisco Rodriguez said the tussle in the bullpen was just an instance of Mets relievers engaging in some roughhousing.

The New York Times - Sports

This isn't just an instance of a bad-boy director kicking over the traces of tradition because he can.

The New York Times

I don't think this is just an instance of a whole generation of women losing their minds and being overindulgent.

The New Yorker

This is just an instance of the more general conflict between the needs and desires of the individual and those of the larger society.

The New York Times - Tech

Jill Kass: That was just an instance of clearheaded thinking, where you know what needs to get done and you execute.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

One reply is that the allegedly non-hedonic item on which the objector focuses just is an instance of pleasure, so its being valuable is just what a hedonist would expect.

SEP

Or maybe it's just pretension, an instance of long-simmering Anglophilia among the American striver classes bubbling over into full-fledged imitation — or in the view of British observers, parody.

The New York Times

This is just such an instance and the FCC would advance its consumer privacy goals by doing so.  .

TechCrunch

In Java, to make a textbox, we just make an INSTANCE of the TextBox class.

Huffington Post

The referendum on independence scheduled for this Sunday in Southern Sudan is just such an instance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just an instance" to indicate that a specific situation is one example among many, often to highlight a broader trend or issue. It adds clarity by specifying that the example isn't unique.

Common error

Avoid using "just an instance" when the example is highly significant or unique, as it can downplay its importance. Instead, choose phrases that emphasize its significance if that's the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just an instance" functions as an adverbial modifier used to qualify a noun phrase, indicating that it is one particular example of something more general. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just an instance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a specific situation is one example of a broader phenomenon. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English to contextualize events and avoid overemphasis. While frequently found in "News & Media" and "Science", it carries a neutral tone suitable for various registers. Consider alternatives like "a case in point" or "a typical example" depending on the specific context. Using "just an instance" appropriately requires ensuring that the example is indeed not unique or particularly significant, preventing misinterpretations of its importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular instance

Similar to the original phrase but slightly more formal.

one such example

Indicates that the example is one of many similar occurrences.

a case in point

Emphasizes that something serves as a clear example or illustration of a particular point.

a prime example

Suggests that the example is of the highest quality or is particularly noteworthy.

a typical example

Highlights the commonality and representativeness of the example.

a representative sample

Implies that the instance is indicative of a larger trend or population.

a specific occurrence

Focuses on the distinct and particular nature of the event.

a single illustration

Highlights that something is only one example among several.

a solitary case

Emphasizes the rarity and singularity of the example.

an isolated incident

Focuses on the unique and non-recurring nature of the occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "just an instance" in a sentence?

Use "just an instance" to show that something is a specific example of a broader phenomenon. For example, "This error is "just an instance" of a larger systemic issue".

What are some alternatives to "just an instance"?

You can use alternatives like "a case in point", "a typical example", or "a particular instance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "just an instance" or "merely an instance"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Just an instance" is slightly more common, while "merely an instance" may add a touch more emphasis on the insignificance of the example.

What is the difference between "just an instance" and "a coincidence"?

"Just an instance" implies that something is an example of a larger pattern or category, while "a coincidence" suggests that it's an unplanned and unexpected occurrence without any underlying pattern.