passing instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passing instances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to temporary or fleeting occurrences of something, often in a context where examples or occurrences are being discussed. Example: "In the study, we observed several passing instances of the phenomenon that highlighted its variability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Slight and precocious, the symphony was notable mainly for its passing instances of subtly contrasted dynamics, keenly represented here with precise, lively playing.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is more than a passing instance of the perennial friction between academia and society.

The New Yorker

Evaluation of the above data, along with assessment of longitudinal placement and number of multiple-pass instances between the groups, was evaluated using a χ test.

Critical Care

"Nope!" I have gone through this precise routine while walking down the street (multiple instances), passing through airport security (multiple instances), ordering a bourbon whiskey (multiple instances), and interviewing Michael Fassbender (one instance).

The New Yorker

Any extra functionality will have to come from passing an instance of the object into a method, a.k.a. the Adaptor pattern.

The Guardian

Configuration scripts are managed in a Subversion repository and configuration data is passed into instances through the user-data mechanism provided by the EC2 API, allowing the instance configuration to be further contextualised.

Journal of Cloud Computing

"It's a lot about being able to get the right users, but it's also about passing on certain instances where we don't think you're in the market, based on what you've been doing in the past hour," Mr. Ackley said.

The New York Times

But he said a panic could "take on a life of its own" if the Aug. 2 deadline passed, for instance, and if contracts that relied on securities had to be unwound.

The New York Times

As Mr Prates comments, "No regulation will ever be able to change this reality, unless a law is passed, for instance, setting the reserve requirements at 100% and prohibiting leverage".Regulators try to limit the problem with requirements for capital and curbs on leverage, but their rules are constantly overtaken by financial innovation.

The Economist

It is therefore possible to pass an instance of an interpreter for a respective model description format to any available solver.

BMC Systems Biology

But he also appended, in cables that have been declassified, some unusual notes to Bosch's applications, passing on, for instance, a report that a Cuban assassination team had entered Venezuela with Bosch as its target, and that Bosch's friends would be able to extract him from the country at a few hours' notice.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "passing instances", ensure the context clearly indicates the temporary or fleeting nature of the occurrences you're describing. This avoids any misinterpretation that they are significant or ongoing.

Common error

Avoid using "passing instances" when the occurrences you're describing have significant or lasting impact. This phrase suggests a lack of importance that could undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing instances" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI indicates, it refers to temporary or fleeting examples, often emphasizing their brief and insignificant nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passing instances" refers to temporary or fleeting occurrences, often used to downplay their significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, including news, media, and scientific publications. While it's not a very common phrase, its use is appropriate when describing brief or insignificant events. Remember to choose this phrase when you want to emphasize the temporary nature of the occurrences and avoid overstating their importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting occurrences

Focuses on the transient nature of the occurrences, emphasizing their brief duration.

temporary cases

Highlights the short-lived nature of the cases, suggesting they are not permanent.

transient examples

Stresses the temporary or non-persistent quality of the examples.

isolated incidents

Emphasizes the separate and infrequent nature of the incidents.

occasional instances

Suggests that the instances happen from time to time, but not regularly.

rare examples

Indicates that the examples are not common and occur infrequently.

ephemeral occurrences

Highlights the very short-lived or fleeting nature of the occurrences.

brief instances

Underlines the concise and short duration of the instances.

short-lived cases

Focuses on the limited lifespan or duration of the cases.

intermittent instances

Stresses the instances occur at irregular intervals and are not continuous.

FAQs

How can I use "passing instances" in a sentence?

You can use "passing instances" to describe temporary or brief occurrences. For example, "The study noted several "passing instances" of increased activity during the experiment".

What are some alternatives to "passing instances"?

Alternatives include "fleeting occurrences", "temporary cases", or "transient examples", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "passing instances"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the occurrences are not permanent, significant, or ongoing, but rather brief or temporary.

How does "passing instances" differ from "common occurrences"?

"Passing instances" implies a temporary or infrequent nature, while "common occurrences" suggests that something happens frequently or regularly.