the prior instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the prior instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific situation or instance that has already happened. For example, "We should refer back to the prior instance to determine the best course of action in this case."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, in remindings, learners need to retrieve the prior instance into working memory during presentation of the second item.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The alternative is to re-use copies in a serial fashion, introducing new copies only after time has passed or the prior instances have collapsed.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Workneh went on to explain that the latest call for the national guard marks the 11th time such a declaration has been made in black history, with many of the prior instances often inciting further violence.

Huffington Post

The motive to avoid failure is also assumed to be relatively stable by adulthood and represents the compilation of those prior instances where achievement behaviours were unsuccessful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, in none of these prior instances did the receiving super PAC spend money to support the specific candidate whose group made the donation.

Huffington Post

Since sustaining his second concussion this year on May 20, Church has experienced setbacks in each of the three prior instances in which the team's medical staff and outside neurologists cleared him to play.

The New York Times - Sports

Private individuals have been convicted of spying for Cuba, but federal officials said they knew of no prior instance of the arrest of an American government official.

The New York Times

This is roughly twice the stats across the board when compared to the prior I2 instance.

TechCrunch

But a 5-4 Supremajority majority held that the district court hadn't allowed enough public comment before making its decision — despite the dissenters' argument that they could not find a single prior "instance in which this court has pre-emptively sought to micromanage district court proceedings as it does today".

The New York Times

Robert Califf, who served as FDA commissioner in the Obama administration, told Kaiser Health news that "he couldn't think of a prior instance in which American researchers did not set up an IRB abroad".

TechCrunch

Administration officials and experts in pardon law said they were not aware of a prior instance of a president's withdrawing a pardon after it was announced.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the prior instance" to clearly refer to a specific, already mentioned case or occurrence. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "prior instance" when "previous instance" is more appropriate if you're simply indicating the one that came before. "Prior" often implies a sense of importance or influence, while "previous" is a straightforward temporal indicator.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the prior instance" functions as a noun phrase typically used to reference a specific occurrence or situation that has been previously mentioned or is relevant to the current discussion. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the prior instance" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to refer back to a previously mentioned event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it appears across various domains, including science, news, and business, it's a relatively rare expression. To ensure clarity, use it to directly reference a specific, already introduced case, and be mindful of the subtle difference between "prior" and "previous", opting for "previous" in cases where a simple temporal indicator is sufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the previous case

This refers specifically to a preceding legal or factual situation.

the earlier occurrence

This emphasizes that something happened at a former point in time.

the former situation

Highlights the state of affairs existing before the current one.

the preceding example

This is suited if you are referring to illustrative preceding cases.

the initial event

Focuses on the first happening in a series of events.

the original incident

Emphasizes that this event is the foundation or start of the context you are referring to.

the baseline scenario

Refers to the standard or reference point before changes were made.

the historical precedent

Implies that the event serves as a guide or justification for subsequent actions.

the inaugural episode

Specifically refers to the first installment or occurrence in a series.

the genesis event

Highlights the beginning and formative nature of the original occurrence.

FAQs

How to use "the prior instance" in a sentence?

To use "the prior instance" effectively, ensure it clearly refers to a specific situation already mentioned. For example: "Considering "the previous case", we can avoid repeating the same mistakes based on "the prior instance".

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

You can use alternatives like "the previous case", "the earlier occurrence", or "the former situation", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the prior instance" or "the previous instance"?

Both "the prior instance" and "the previous instance" are grammatically correct. "Prior" often implies importance or influence, while "previous" is a simple indicator of sequence.

What's the difference between "the prior instance" and "the initial event"?

"The prior instance" refers to something that happened earlier and is being referenced again, while "the initial event" highlights the beginning of a sequence or situation.