one off instance

USAGE SUMMARY

"one off instance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a particular situation or occurrence that is distinct from any other similar situation, and it is not expected to recur. For example, "The loss of revenue due to the pandemic was a one-off instance, and things are expected to be back to normal in the coming months."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And, it's not as though this is a one-off instance of poor leadership.

Huffington Post

Style is a matter of patterning, as "it involves describing preferred or recurring patterns of linguistic behaviour, rather than individual or one-off instances of intervention" (Baker 2000, p. 245).

Functional Linguistics

He also described the apple and potato initiatives as "one-off" instances, since weather conditions created those specific batches.

Huffington Post

Secondly, the extent to which AAtRSs might function as peptide ligases remains unclear - is MshC a one-off example or are there more such instances?

Biology Direct

Is this one-off bribe an instance of corruption?

SEP

Controlling for this was achieved by fixing the number of users to only those active every single day under study, minimizing 'noise' in the form of one-off users, for instance.

EPJ Data Science

Twitter wants to limit account suspension to those accounts whose primary purpose is malicious activity, rather than punishing one-off tweets or instances.

TechCrunch

We suggest that in the first instance, a one-off, TS/NPA-wide effort focused entirely on tip pruning, in effect removing E. flavipes favoured host material, and then followed by annual monitoring and further location-specific tip pruning if recolonization is detected, may achieve longer lasting control.

Evolutionary Applications

It is just that for most people, manipulative actions tend to be one-off or only occasional instances rather than a purposeful map for daily living and interaction with others.

WikiHow

"There would probably have to be a level of seriousness in the conduct in question for instance, a one-off comment would be unlikely to be reported or prosecuted".

Vice

Like this one, for instance.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one off instance" to clearly convey that something is a unique, non-recurring event. Avoid using it when describing regular or repeated occurrences.

Common error

Avoid using "one off instance" interchangeably with phrases that imply a pattern or trend. Ensure the context genuinely reflects a single, isolated case rather than a recurring issue or multiple similar events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one off instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a determiner to describe a situation or event that is unique and not expected to recur. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one off instance" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a unique, non-recurring event. According to Ludwig, while not frequently used, it is perfectly acceptable in both formal and informal contexts to clearly specify that something is not part of a regular pattern. Consider using alternatives like "isolated case" or "unique occurrence" to add variety to your writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely reflects a single, isolated event and is not part of a larger trend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

isolated case

This phrase emphasizes the singularity and lack of recurrence of the event.

unique occurrence

Highlights the distinct and non-repeating nature of the instance.

singular event

Focuses on the event being the only one of its kind.

isolated incident

Similar to "isolated case", this emphasizes that the incident is not part of a pattern.

exceptional circumstance

Suggests the instance is unusual and not typical.

atypical example

Indicates the example is not representative of the norm.

rare situation

Emphasizes how infrequently this situation occurs.

unprecedented event

Highlights that the event has never happened before.

freak occurrence

Suggests the instance is odd and unexpected.

uncharacteristic instance

Indicates the instance is not typical of the subject being described.

FAQs

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

You can use "one off instance" to describe something that happens only once and is not expected to repeat. For example: "The company's financial loss was considered a "one off instance" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "one off instance"?

Some alternatives include "isolated case", "unique occurrence", or "singular event", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "one off instance" in formal writing?

Yes, "one off instance" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you need to clearly indicate that an event or situation is not part of a regular pattern.

What's the difference between "one off instance" and "isolated incident"?

While similar, "one off instance" often refers to a unique situation or case, while "isolated incident" typically refers to a single, contained event, often with negative connotations. The best term to use depends on the specific context.