save for some instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "save for some instances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is generally true except for a few specific cases. Example: "The policy is effective for all employees, save for some instances where exceptions apply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite his efficiency – and save for instances of sheer necessity – Parker has seldom been the focal point of Gregg Popovich's disciplined, space-dependent offense.

The New York Times

Duke's parents died during his childhood: Mary, when Basil was eight, and Nathaniel when Basil was 11; save for an instance in his Reminiscences, he seldom mentioned them.

Wikipedia

If you lose your phone and need a new one, backing up from a slimmed-down iCloud account means the phone will not be identical to the one you lost: some settings may not have been saved, for instance.

The New York Times - Tech

Firefighters' lives might have been saved, for instance, if they had received a warning from police aircraft when each tower seemed ready to collapse.

The New York Times

(Air bags cost something like $100,000 per year of life saved, for instance). But you don't need to be an economist to believe that $30,000 for three extra years is a pretty good deal.

The New York Times - Magazine

The money saved, for instance, is simply not to be believed.

TechCrunch

The algorithm did not perform well on the problem instances, save for a select few on which the algorithm achieved the close to near-optimal result and one on which the algorithm achieved the optimal result.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

However, good data can mean less wait for ambulances and save lives, for instance.

TechCrunch

Like other researchers, she could not recall a single case of a sexual assault victim misremembering a known attacker — save for rare instances in which people, often children, were coached into falsely accusing friends and family members.

The Washington Post

Having money saved for Christmas gifts, for instance, can help you establish a hard budget come winter.

HuffPost

That might save banks, for instance, an awful lot of money.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While grammatically correct, "save for some instances" may sound slightly formal. Choose a simpler alternative like "except for a few cases" for informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "save for some instances" in very casual writing or speech. It can sound stilted. Opt for more natural-sounding phrases like "except for" or "besides" in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "save for some instances" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces an exception to a general statement. It indicates that something is true in most situations, but not in a select few. Ludwig's examples show its application in various contexts, highlighting its role in specifying conditions or limitations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "save for some instances" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate exceptions to a general rule. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides diverse examples of its use in reputable sources. While not exceptionally frequent, "save for some instances" finds a comfortable place in various writing contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific writings. When aiming for simplicity and informality, consider alternatives such as "except for". However, "save for some instances" provides a suitable alternative when striving for neutral to formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

except for some cases

Replaces 'instances' with 'cases', offering a slightly more general feel.

apart from a few instances

Uses 'apart from' instead of 'save for', changing the prepositional structure while maintaining the meaning.

excluding certain instances

Employs 'excluding' to convey the exception, making the sentence more formal.

with the exception of some instances

Adds 'with the exception of', increasing the formality and emphasis on the exceptions.

barring a few instances

Utilizes 'barring' to indicate the exceptions, offering a slightly more concise alternative.

save in a few instances

Replaces 'for some' with 'in a few', which is less common and slightly more emphatic.

excepting some instances

Uses 'excepting' as a gerund, providing a more direct and concise way to express the exception.

but for some instances

Replaces 'save' with 'but', changing the connective to create a contrastive tone.

aside from certain situations

Switches to 'aside from' and 'situations' altering both preposition and noun for a more conversational tone.

excluding particular instances

Replaces 'certain' with 'particular' for a shift in emphasis on specificity.

FAQs

What does "save for some instances" mean?

The phrase "save for some instances" means 'except for a few particular cases' or 'with the exception of some situations'. It indicates that a general statement is true, but there are specific exceptions.

How can I use "save for some instances" in a sentence?

You can use "save for some instances" to introduce exceptions to a general rule. For example, 'The library is open every day, "save for some instances" when it is closed for holidays'.

Are there more formal alternatives to "save for some instances"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include phrases like "with the exception of certain instances" or "excluding specific cases". These alternatives emphasize the exceptions more strongly.

What's the difference between "except for" and "save for some instances"?

While both phrases indicate exceptions, "except for" is generally less formal and more common in everyday language. "Save for some instances" carries a slightly more formal tone and is often used in more structured or written contexts.