sole instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a unique or singular occurrence of something. Example: "This is the sole instance where the policy was not followed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is the sole instance in which a member of the Israeli forces was charged for killing a Palestinian child.

The New Yorker

This is the sole instance where deep perspective is used, making the faces and bodies appear more solid, and perhaps, closer to the here and now.

The New York Times

It was the sole instance in which slavery reparations were authorized — and it compensated slaveholders in Washington, D.C., for the cost of emancipating their human chattel.

The New Yorker

Torture of Women (1976), is the best known of these; the Serpentine's selection has bypassed this, and Marduk (1986) looks to be the sole instance on show.

The Guardian - Arts

The teams each took four shots on goal in the first period, but the Devils' sole instance of disorganized defense led to Hagelin's goal.

The New York Times - Sports

The conundrum of umpiring is neatly posed by the peculiar rule of the knee-to-shoulder strike zone, which Mr. Weber calls the sole instance of a playing area that is demarcated only in the minds of officials.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The sole member of the TKL family in the microsporidian kinome represents the only instance of a protein kinase family found in E. cuniculi that is not represented in either S. cerevisiae or S. pombe (Table 1).

BMC Genomics

In the Dover sole recipe, for instance, there are no instructions to season either the eggplant or the fish with salt and pepper.

The New York Times - Food

Cellular connectivity probably won't end up actually adding a ton to the experience of owning an Apple Watch — it's not going to become your sole device, for instance, replacing an iPhone entirely.

TechCrunch

Drawing mainly on the claim that Heaven is "that from which righteousness issues," for instance, Soles (1999) contends that for the Mohists, "What makes Heaven's commands right is the mere fact that Heaven commands them" (p. 46).

SEP

IN almost every instance the sole reason to stuff one food with another is appearance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sole instance", ensure that the context clearly indicates that there are truly no other occurrences or examples. Avoid using it hyperbolically.

Common error

Avoid using "sole instance" when there are similar, albeit less significant, occurrences. Be precise in confirming its absolute uniqueness to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a particular occurrence as the only one of its kind, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sole instance" denotes a unique or singular occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in various writing styles. While not overly common, it appears in credible sources across "News & Media" and "Science". When deploying this phrase, ensure the context genuinely reflects absolute uniqueness to avoid overstatement. Alternatives such as "unique occurrence" or "only case" can be used depending on the situation. This phrase serves to emphasize that something is the one and only time it occurred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solitary instance

Similar to "sole instance" but uses a slightly different word choice to convey the same meaning.

unique occurrence

Focuses on the singularity of the event, highlighting its distinctiveness.

only case

Emphasizes that there are no other similar situations or events.

singular event

Stresses the unique and unparalleled nature of the happening.

single example

Highlights that this is the only known or available example.

lone occurrence

Highlights the lack of other accompanying or related events.

isolated incident

Implies that the event is not part of a pattern or series.

one-off situation

Suggests that this situation is unlikely to be repeated.

rare event

Emphasizes the infrequency or unusual nature of the occurrence.

exceptional case

Indicates that this instance is an exception to a general rule or expectation.

FAQs

What does "sole instance" mean?

The phrase "sole instance" refers to the only occurrence or example of something. It emphasizes that there are no other similar cases.

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

You can use "sole instance" to highlight a unique event or situation. For example: "This is the "sole instance" where the policy was not followed."

Are there alternatives to "sole instance"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "unique occurrence", "only case", or "single example" depending on the context.

Is "sole instance" formal or informal?

The phrase "sole instance" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and register of your writing.