on two separate instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on two separate instances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to two distinct occasions or events when something occurred. Example: "The issue was reported on two separate instances, highlighting the need for immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In late 2017, at the height of the #MeToo movement, the actor was made to apologize for two separate instances in which he groped women on camera in the early aughts.

The New Yorker

On three separate instances, the line was acquired from the stock center, successfully cured using tetracycline for two generations, and the absence of Wolbachia endosymbionts verified.

BMC Genomics

The wildlife charity hopes the review of the hazard classification of the substance - found on seabirds in two separate instances between January and May - will lead to a ban on discharges at sea.

BBC

The Middlesex County prosecutor's office said 499 gravestones were knocked over in two separate instances on Jan . 1and Saturday night.

The New York Times

The substance - a lubricant used to improve the engine performance of ships - was found on seabirds, mainly guillemots, in two separate instances between January and May.

BBC

In two separate instances, each lasting several days, seismometers on the ocean floor picked up very-low-frequency signals migrating along the upper part of this subduction zone.

The New Yorker

It also reveals two separate instances of incest (one sibling, one inter-generational).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Just this year, there have been two separate instances in which swastikas have been graffitied on residence halls.

Huffington Post

The figure also displays the mean and standard deviation of the three separate instances taken into consideration.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Three separate instances of poisoning in Indonesia involved 18 people, 14 of which died.

Wikipedia

Eight separate instances from four studies reported an improvement (range 16-29%) in the first 3-months [ 24- 26, 28].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on two separate instances" to clearly indicate that something occurred in two distinct and unrelated situations. This helps avoid confusion and emphasizes the independence of the events.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "on two separate instances" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives such as "on two different occasions" or "in two distinct cases" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on two separate instances" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the frequency and distinctness of an event. Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase is grammatically sound and can be used to describe events that occurred distinctly apart.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on two separate instances" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that something has occurred twice in distinct and unrelated situations. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While not extremely common, its consistent usage across various contexts and the availability of alternatives like "on two different occasions" makes it a versatile option for clear and precise communication. Remember to avoid overuse and consider varying your phrasing for better reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on two different occasions

Replaces "separate instances" with "different occasions", emphasizing the distinctiveness of the times.

in two distinct cases

Substitutes "separate instances" with "distinct cases", focusing on the individuality of each situation.

on a couple of occasions

Uses "a couple of occasions" to indicate two times, simplifying the wording.

in two individual events

Replaces "instances" with "events", highlighting the specific occurrences.

on two unique occasions

Emphasizes the uniqueness of each occasion.

twice in separate situations

Highlights that something happened twice in separate situations.

in a pair of instances

Uses "pair of instances" as a more concise alternative.

on two singular occasions

Replace the words with their synonyms

in two discrete events

Replace the words with their synonyms

in two unprecedented events

Replaces "separate instances" with "unprecedented events", focusing on the individuality of each situation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "on two separate instances"?

You can use alternatives like "on two different occasions", "in two distinct cases", or "on a couple of occasions" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "on two separate instances" or "in two separate instances"?

Both "on two separate instances" and "in two separate instances" are grammatically correct and understandable. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

How formal is the phrase "on two separate instances"?

The phrase "on two separate instances" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for most writing contexts, including academic, professional, and news-related content.

Can "on two separate instances" be shortened without losing meaning?

Yes, in some contexts, you can shorten it to "twice" or "on two occasions" without significantly altering the meaning. However, the longer phrase emphasizes the separateness and distinct nature of the occurrences.