single instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "single instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to one specific occurrence or example of something. Example: "In this study, we will analyze a single instance of consumer behavior to draw conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Eventually, he tracked down a single instance.

The Economist

No one offered a single instance.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet there was not a single instance of violence.

The Guardian

Can't remember single instance anyone collecting on such policies.

The New Yorker

There is probably not a single instance of a cure involving a robe.

The New York Times

At louder volumes, a single instance can cause permanent damage, as it did with my grandmother.

The New Yorker

3. Try not to overreact to a single instance of substance use.

The New York Times

A single instance can drive a woman from her subject and ruin her life more generally.

Independent

Calling out a single instance of sexism in a professional space hit a nerve far deeper than I ever imagined.

The Guardian - Opinion

I can't think of a single instance of sexism in 10 years within our team or the business.

The Guardian

In practice, the insider notes, "I am not aware of a single instance where a [preferred] bidder has been deselected".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "single instance", ensure the context clearly establishes what the instance is an example of to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just saying "a single instance", specify "a single instance of data breach".

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions or making sweeping generalizations based solely on a "single instance". Recognize its limitations as evidence and consider additional supporting information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single instance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI suggests that it denotes a singular occurrence or example. For instance, "A single instance can cause permanent damage".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "single instance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to a singular occurrence or example. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and to avoid overgeneralizing from a solitary example. Alternatives such as ""lone instance"" or ""isolated case"" can add nuance depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lone instance

Emphasizes isolation or uniqueness of the occurrence.

solitary example

Emphasizes the rarity and lack of other similar cases.

individual occurrence

Highlights the distinct and separate nature of the event.

isolated case

Implies that the instance is not part of a larger pattern or trend.

particular case

Highlights the specific details and characteristics of the instance.

rare event

Focuses on the unusual nature of the happening.

one-time event

Focuses on the singularity and non-repeatability of the instance.

unique situation

Stresses the particular circumstances surrounding the instance.

uncommon situation

Highlights the infrequency of the instance.

exceptional circumstance

Suggests that the instance deviates from the norm.

FAQs

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

You can use "single instance" to refer to one specific occurrence of something. For example, "This is a "single instance" of a software malfunction".

What are some alternatives to "single instance"?

Alternatives to "single instance" include "lone instance", "isolated case", or "unique situation", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to draw conclusions from a "single instance"?

Drawing broad conclusions from a "single instance" can be risky, as it might not be representative of the general trend. It's better to gather more data points before making any generalizations.

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

"Single instance" refers to a particular occurrence, while "isolated incident" often implies that the event is not part of a pattern or series of events.