not a single instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a single instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that there are no occurrences or examples of something in a given context. Example: "Despite extensive research, there was not a single instance of the phenomenon being observed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Yet there was not a single instance of violence.

The Guardian

They brought forward not a single instance of actual use of such services for such purposes.

Harvard University

There is probably not a single instance of a cure involving a robe.

The New York Times

"There is not a single instance of a magic mushroom being preserved in the archaeological record anywhere," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Growing up in Baltimore in the 1960s and 1970s, I experienced not a single instance of blatant anti-Semitism.

The New York Times

"There's not a single instance of the Press Act being used to prosecute the editors or contributors.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

And a merger or sale to some other handset company won't work; there isn't a single instance of a handset company sale leading to success.

The Guardian - Tech

Surprise: Even though Hannah and Adam ended up together during the last five minutes of the season finale, throughout the other nine episodes of season the season, there wasn't a single instance of Hannah actually missing him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Despite the title, there isn't a single instance of magical shenanigans in the film; instead, it's a Hindi-speaking imitation of Home Alone, in which a disturbingly precocious youngster is left locked in his house with a pair of dastardly but bumbling burglars on whom he wreaks a series of spiteful and wholly predictable pranks.

The Guardian - Film

She is showing off, but there isn't a single instance where you could improve the piece by removing the anecdote - although it might be dispiriting for the writer of a biography to find Fitzgerald trumping him or her this way.

The Guardian - Books

"There is sensitivity to the victims in this case, and it isn't a single instance, it's a pattern of abuse of power". In an initial statement responding to the allegations, Weinstein appeared to apologize for unspecified past behavior.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a single instance" to strongly emphasize the complete absence of something, especially when countering claims or highlighting a lack of evidence. This phrase is more impactful than simply saying "no instances".

Common error

Avoid using "not a single instance" in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for simpler alternatives like "none" or "not one" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a single instance" functions as an emphatic quantifier, highlighting the complete absence of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it emphasizes the lack of even one occurrence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not a single instance" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the complete absence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and effective in highlighting a lack of occurrences. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, academia, and science, showcasing its broad applicability. While alternatives like "no instances whatsoever" or "not one occurrence" exist, "not a single instance" offers a strong and direct way to convey the non-existence of something. It's advisable to avoid overuse in very informal settings, opting for simpler language when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no instances whatsoever

Emphasizes the complete absence of any instances, adding intensity with "whatsoever".

not one occurrence

Uses "occurrence" instead of "instance", providing a slightly different word choice while maintaining the same meaning.

absolutely no instances

Adds emphasis to the absence of instances by using "absolutely".

zero instances

Uses the numeral "zero" for a more concise and direct expression of the absence of instances.

not any instances

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning of the absence of instances.

not a single case

Substitutes "instance" with "case", useful in contexts where "case" is more appropriate.

no example exists

Replaces "instance" with "example" and uses a verb construction, focusing on the non-existence of an example.

never an instance

Changes the structure to emphasize that an instance has never happened.

in no instance

Uses a more formal and emphatic structure to express the absence of an instance.

none whatsoever

Offers a concise alternative focusing on the complete lack of any instances.

FAQs

How can I use "not a single instance" in a sentence?

Use "not a single instance" to emphasize the complete absence of something. For example, "There was "not a single instance" of violence during the protest."

What can I say instead of "not a single instance"?

You can use alternatives like "no instances whatsoever", "not one occurrence", or "no example exists" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "not a single instance" or "no instances"?

"Not a single instance" and "no instances" are both grammatically correct, but "not a single instance" emphasizes the complete absence of something more strongly than simply stating "no instances".

What's the difference between "not a single instance" and "not one instance"?

"Not a single instance" and "not one instance" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. "Not a single instance" might carry slightly more emphasis, highlighting the absolute lack of even one occurrence.