only for instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only for instance" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when you want to provide a specific example to illustrate a point, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "There are many ways to improve your writing, only for instance, you could focus on clarity and conciseness."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Then, sort the list by what can be controlled (spending less by using cash only, for instance), what can be managed (perhaps finding a credit card with a lower interest rate if you have an outstanding balance) and what should be monitored (like the amount of money you are bringing in each month).

The New York Times

However, we can speak of atoms if we restrict ourselves to material parts only (for instance, in the case of the number one, we can say it is a simple object only if we consider the (proper) material parts it has, namely zero).

SEP

The very strong induction of SOCS2 (suppressor of cytokine signalling 2) [36], [36] in DCs only, for instance, might have important consequences on the maturation and cytokine secretion profile of M. tuberculosis-infected DCs, which should be further explored.

Plosone

Under this hypothesis, working memory stores information that is pertinent to one trial only (for instance, which arms have already been visited), but which has to be erased before the next trial to allow correct performance.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Identifying transcription factors specific for important genes of fruit senescence only, for instance, can lead to subsequent steps of controlling these molecules for potentially getting a relatively more uniform harvest.

BMC Genomics

Thus, each transition intensity can be evaluated by estimation methods used in survival analysis in the presence of right-censored data only (for instance when semi-Markov models are used) or in the presence of right-censored and left-truncated data (for instance when non-homogeneous Markov models are used, the transition intensities 12 and 13 are evaluated using delayed entry).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We computed Tm only for instances in which spike-in sequences had at least 13 bases of sequence identity to known shRNA features.

BMC Genomics

But access to websites was only partial: for instance, users could browse forums and blogs but not post on them.

Wikipedia

Only two months ago, for instance, the opposition's Antonio Ledezma was elected mayor of Metropolitan Caracas.

The Guardian - Opinion

Grumpy Cat has a great movie scowl, like Al Pacino in "Scarface" only furrier, for instance.

The New York Times

Only Germany and Sweden, for instance, have taken significant numbers of Syrian refugees displaced by that country's war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Favor standard alternatives like "for example" or "for instance" as they provide clarity and are widely accepted.

Common error

Avoid combining limiting adverbs with example phrases unnecessarily. Sticking to established phrases like "for example" or "for instance" ensures smoother, more professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only for instance" aims to introduce an example with a restrictive focus. However, it's not a standard construction in English. Ludwig AI indicates that it may sound awkward. It attempts to specify that the example is just one of a limited set.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "only for instance" appears in some contexts, it is not considered standard English and is flagged by Ludwig AI as potentially awkward. It is better to use well-established alternatives like "for example" or "for instance". The phrase aims to provide an example, but with a restrictive focus that is often unnecessary and stylistically inferior. Its infrequent usage suggests that it should generally be avoided in favor of clearer, more conventional phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for example only

Switches the order of 'only' and 'for example' which is slightly more common.

just for instance

Replaces 'only' with 'just', softening the emphasis on exclusivity.

as an instance

Focuses on the specific occurrence as an example, omitting the limiting 'only'.

in one instance

Highlights a single case, removing the 'for example' aspect.

by way of illustration

Introduces an example more formally, avoiding 'only'.

to cite an instance

Formally presents a specific example, dropping the exclusivity.

for a specific case

Emphasizes a particular situation without necessarily generalizing.

as a case in point

Offers a direct and relevant example to support a claim.

consider the case of

Directs attention to a particular example for detailed examination.

take the instance of

Introduces a specific example for analysis or consideration.

FAQs

What is a better way to say "only for instance"?

Consider using more common and grammatically sound alternatives like "for example" or "for instance".

Is the phrase "only for instance" grammatically correct?

The phrase "only for instance" is not considered grammatically standard and may sound awkward to native English speakers. It's generally better to use just "for instance".

Can I use "only for example" instead of "only for instance"?

While "only for example" might sound slightly better to some, it's still not a conventional phrase. It's best to stick with the standard "for example".

What is the difference between "only for instance" and "for instance"?

"For instance" is a standard phrase used to introduce an example. Adding "only" is generally redundant and doesn't add value; it's better to simply use "for instance".