one instance

USAGE SUMMARY

"one instance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "one instance" to describe a single occurrence or example of something, as in the following example sentence: "One instance of police corruption was uncovered during the investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One instance: chanting "Uua!

The Economist

One instance is quite recent.

The New York Times

Except in one instance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is only one instance.

University of California, Berkeley

Here's one instance of the rule.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's not just this one instance".

The Guardian

The quiet triumph went beyond one instance.

The New York Times

"How do you know one instance?

The New York Times

The Winnie Mandela scandal was one instance.

The Guardian

Olivares was even smarter in one instance.

The New York Times - Sports

We saw it all in one instance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one instance" to clearly and concisely refer to a specific example or occurrence, ensuring your writing is precise and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "one instance" repeatedly within a short section of text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a single case" or "a specific occasion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one instance" functions as a determiner and noun, serving to specify a single occurrence or example of something. Ludwig shows the phrase is often used to introduce specific examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one instance" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a single occurrence or example. Ludwig AI validates this, confirming that it is a usable phrase across various writing contexts. With examples primarily drawn from news and media, science, and academic sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal use. When writing, ensure that the phrase is used purposefully to highlight specific examples and avoid overuse, opting for synonyms like "a single case" or "a specific occasion" to maintain variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a single case

This alternative highlights the singularity of the event, similar to "one instance".

a solitary example

Similar to "one instance", it reinforces the idea of a single illustration.

a lone occurrence

This emphasizes the singular nature of the event, suggesting it is the only one of its kind.

an isolated event

This suggests the occurrence is not part of a pattern and stands alone.

a singular incident

This alternative emphasizes the distinct and memorable quality of the event.

a specific occasion

This alternative focuses on a particular time when something happened.

an individual happening

This phrase highlights the separate and distinct nature of the event.

a unique situation

This phrase emphasizes the distinct and perhaps unusual nature of the event.

a particular circumstance

This shifts the focus to the set of conditions surrounding the event.

an exceptional demonstration

This suggests the instance is a notable or unusual display of something.

FAQs

How can I use "one instance" in a sentence?

You can use "one instance" to refer to a specific occurrence or example of something. For example, "In "one instance", the program failed to load correctly."

What are some alternatives to "one instance"?

Alternatives to "one instance" include phrases like "a single case", "a specific occasion", or "a solitary example", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in one instance"?

Yes, the phrase "in one instance" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce a specific example or occurrence.

What's the difference between "one instance" and "one example"?

While similar, "one instance" refers more broadly to an occurrence or event, while "one example" specifically refers to something that illustrates a point or principle. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the event itself or its illustrative nature.