specific instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular example or case that illustrates a broader concept or idea. Example: "In this report, we will analyze a specific instance of market failure to understand its implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's some basis for this argument in this specific instance.

The New York Times

"The family can answer all of those questions about that specific instance and others," Pence said.

The Guardian

But this specific instance is the ugly truth of what goes on".

The Guardian

"It is hard to know what a person would and wouldn't do in any specific instance.

The New Yorker

Then, he said he couldn't recall one specific instance where his father gave anything.

The Washington Post

This is a specific instance of both reading the GPG and editing the proposal.

Stanford University

This problem is actually a specific instance of a broader theoretical uncertainty in class-action procedure.

Columbia University

William Hodgman, who leads the unit, said, "In this specific instance, we couldn't prove any criminal behavior by the paparazzi".

The New York Times

But, in this specific instance, I cannot see how these papers alone were guilty of breaking the law.

The Guardian

It is often difficult to definitively link a specific instance of disease to one particular cause, like water pollution.

The New York Times

But the hyperbole cannot conceal that he is wrong -- wrong in this specific instance, and wrongheaded in general.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specific instance" to provide clarity and focus in your writing, ensuring the reader understands you are referring to a particular example rather than a general concept.

Common error

Avoid using "specific instance" when a general example or 'for example' would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal and clunky.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI underlines, it denotes a particular example or occurrence, providing clarity and focus to the discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specific instance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a particular case or example. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. Its neutral-to-formal register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, especially in news, academic writing, and scientific publications. While it is widely accepted, it is important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring it adds value to your writing rather than making it sound unnecessarily complex. Consider alternatives like "particular case" or "certain situation" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular case

Emphasizes the uniqueness and distinctness of the situation.

certain situation

Focuses on the circumstances surrounding the event.

given example

Highlights the role of the instance as an illustration.

concrete illustration

Stresses the tangible and clear nature of the example.

precise occurrence

Emphasizes the exactness and detail of the event.

individual event

Highlights that the instance happened once.

isolated incident

Indicates that the instance is separate from other events.

unique circumstance

Highlights the unprecedented and exceptional nature of the situation.

distinct episode

Suggests the instance is a clear and separate part of a larger story.

definitive demonstration

Focuses on how the instance shows something clearly.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "specific instance" in a sentence?

Use "specific instance" to introduce a particular example or case that supports your argument or illustrates a broader concept. It helps to make your writing more concrete and easier to understand.

What are some alternatives to "specific instance"?

You can use alternatives like "particular case", "certain situation", or "given example" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "specific instance" or "particular example"?

Both "specific instance" and "particular example" are grammatically correct and usable. The choice depends on the desired tone; "specific instance" may sound slightly more formal than "particular example".

When should I avoid using the phrase "specific instance"?

Avoid using "specific instance" when a simpler phrase like "for example" or "in this case" is sufficient and more appropriate for the context. Overusing it can make your writing seem unnatural.