specific instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific instances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to particular examples or occurrences that illustrate a broader point or concept. Example: "To better understand the theory, we need to examine specific instances where it has been applied successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were talking about very specific instances".

The Guardian - Film

Any specific instances you can recall?

The Guardian - Tech

It did not discuss specific instances.

The New York Times

These could prove more of a lure in specific instances.

The Guardian

Specific instances of his bizarre behavior have been well established.

The New York Times

I was able to use specific instances as examples.

The New York Times

Hate speech may still need to be banned in specific instances, I would argue.

The Guardian - Opinion

But when pressed on specific instances of those failings her good humor would drop away.

The New Yorker

But its report did identify specific instances in which the bank had contributed to the suffering.

The Guardian

News media outlets frequently withhold names in specific instances, including victims of sexual violence and juvenile criminal offenders.

The New York Times

No one inside or outside the Journal offered me specific instances of Murdoch and Thomson pushing a politically biased story.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specific instances", follow it with detailed explanations or examples to illustrate the point effectively.

Common error

Avoid making broad claims without providing "specific instances" to support your argument. Always include relevant examples to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific instances" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in providing concrete examples to support broader statements. For example, "Ms. Friend's letter cites three specific instances in which female flight attendants say they were sexually mistreated in airport searches."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specific instances" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, primarily functioning to provide concrete examples or evidence in support of a broader point. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, highlighting its role in enhancing clarity and credibility. While interchangeable with phrases like "particular cases" or "concrete examples", it's essential to ensure that the cited instances are indeed specific and directly relevant to the argument being made. Avoiding overgeneralization and providing detailed explanations are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular cases

Focuses on individual occurrences as examples.

concrete examples

Highlights the tangibility and real-world nature of the examples.

distinct examples

Emphasizes the clarity and separateness of each example.

precise examples

Highlights the accuracy and specificity of each example.

individual cases

Emphasizes the focus on single occurrences rather than a general trend.

certain situations

Shifts the focus to contextual scenarios rather than isolated examples.

select incidents

Highlights the chosen nature and event-like aspect of the examples.

detailed accounts

Emphasizes thorough and descriptive information about each instance.

isolated events

Focuses on the standalone and unconnected nature of the occurrences.

unique occurrences

Highlights the singularity and non-repeatable nature of each event.

FAQs

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

You can use "specific instances" to introduce examples that support a general statement, for example: "The report gave "specific instances" in which some colleges encouraged fraud."

What are some alternatives to "specific instances"?

Alternatives include "particular cases", "concrete examples", or "distinct examples", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "specific examples" or "specific instances"?

Both "specific examples" and "specific instances" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Examples" emphasizes illustrative cases, while "instances" highlights particular occurrences.

When should I use "specific instances" instead of "general trends"?

Use "specific instances" when you want to focus on individual occurrences or examples, whereas "general trends" are used to describe overall patterns or tendencies.