the instance when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the instance when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific occurrence or situation in which something happens. Example: "The instance when she first learned to ride a bike was a memorable moment for her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Can u please cite the instance when u spotted this?

The New Yorker

"There are only two extreme moments in human madness," someone tells the doctor, by way of explaining the essence of terrorism: "The instant when you become aware of your own impotence and the instance when you become aware of the vulnerability of others".

The New York Times - Books

Incidentally, while on the subject of Dortmund, it would be remiss of us not to recall the instance when an investigation by the German consumer TV show Plusminus in 2000 claimed to have found tributyltin - a toxic anti-bacterial chemical that can cause health problems in humans - in the club's replica Nike shirts.

The Guardian - Sport

Figure 2 Example of the instance when k =2 and ℓ =1.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Assume the instance when a center cell and all its first tier neighbors are heavily loaded.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Figure 3 Example of the construction of the instance when k =3.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"But I think in the instances when it is someone representing the people, it crosses the line.

The New York Times

This can be seen as detecting the instances, when the image properties violate the assumption of diffuse reflection.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

In the instances when public discussions bash or question company decisions, news, or value, all were in agreement that these conversations are better left untouched.

TechCrunch

It happens frequently in the instances when people carry high deductibles on their coverage plans.

Huffington Post

Many have mentioned the instances when he ventures deep into a hole to reach a grounder.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "the instance when" with alternatives like "the moment when" or "the occasion when" for a more conversational tone in less formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "the instance when" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Overusing formal phrasing can make your language sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "when" or "the time when" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the instance when" functions as a noun phrase introducing a relative clause. It specifies a particular occurrence or situation, adding detail or context to the statement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the instance when" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as a noun phrase introducing a relative clause. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, although it tends toward a more formal register. It's frequently found in scientific and news-related sources. While alternatives like "the moment when" or "the occasion when" may be suitable for less formal settings, "the instance when" remains a precise and valuable tool for specifying particular occurrences or situations in more technical or academic contexts. Remember to avoid overuse in casual settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the moment when

Emphasizes a specific point in time, making it a slightly more direct and immediate alternative.

the occasion when

Refers to a particular event or happening, slightly more formal.

the time when

A more general way to refer to a point in time, less specific than "instance".

the situation where

Shifts the focus from time to a set of circumstances or conditions.

the case where

Indicates a specific scenario or example, often used in legal or technical contexts.

the event when

Focuses on a particular occurrence or happening.

the period when

Refers to a duration of time, rather than a specific point.

at which point

A more formal and sometimes more emphatic way to introduce a specific moment or condition.

upon which

A formal way to express 'when' something occurs immediately after something else.

the scenario when

Highlights a specific sequence of events or hypothetical situation.

FAQs

How can I use "the instance when" in a sentence?

Use "the instance when" to specify a particular occurrence or situation. For example: "The instance when the experiment failed was a turning point for the team."

What can I say instead of "the instance when"?

You can use alternatives like "the moment when", "the occasion when", or "the time when" depending on the context.

Is "the instance when" formal or informal?

"The instance when" leans towards the formal side. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives are often preferred.

What's the difference between "the instance when" and "the case when"?

"The instance when" refers to a specific occurrence, while "the case when" usually refers to a hypothetical or general situation.