the very instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a specific moment or occurrence in a discussion or argument. Example: "In the very instance that the decision was made, the team began to implement the new strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That moment of understanding, the very instance when whites acknowledge the blunt truths that make their innocence no longer cute, let alone plausible, is what delivers profound horror — or sidesplitting laughs — in a movie as sharp as "Get Out".

The New Yorker

I don't think I got proper counselling to begin with, in the very instance that I was admitted.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If we work together, we can eliminate the scourge of white supremacy and the very real instances of racism that exist in our society.

Huffington Post

In the very first instance where the term appears, it is aligned with the word "jurisprudence".

The Guardian - Books

I think he understands that it's a slow, slow process that began with the very first instance when he met John [Watson], when you needed [that] missing part".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It certainly endorses a strengthened civilian national security architecture, but it calls for this, in the very first instance, in order to deploy civilians alongside the military.

Huffington Post

In the decades long struggle by the NRA to prevent any infringement whatsoever on the purchase of all firearms by absolutely anyone who wants one, including assault rifles that belong only on the battlefield, San Bernardino marked the very first instance of unfettered acquisition of assault weaponry by home-grown terrorists.

Huffington Post

"This outrageous explosion of watchlisting — of monitoring people and racking and stacking them on lists, assigning them numbers, assigning them 'baseball cards,' assigning them death sentences without notice, on a worldwide battlefield — it was, from the very first instance, wrong," the source said.

Huffington Post

Provided that the results of the functional assay correlate with clinical consequences, such 'pre-computed' interpretations could then be used in the very first instance in which the variant was observed in the clinic, thereby eliminating or minimizing VUS reports in that gene.

Genome Medicine

In the very best instances they make you wish you could touch them.

The New York Times

That was one of the very few instances where our typo-hunting resulted in a prize.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very instance" to add emphasis when describing a precise moment something occurred or became evident.

Common error

Avoid using "the very instance" in casual conversation; it often sounds overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "the moment" or "when" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very instance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the precise time or occasion of an event. According to Ludwig, it is used to highlight a specific moment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very instance" is a phrase used to emphasize the precise timing or circumstance of an event. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig, it's relatively rare and leans towards a neutral to formal register. Its primary function is to highlight a specific moment, adding emphasis to the immediacy of an occurrence. Consider using it strategically to draw attention to the exact timing you're describing, but be mindful of its potential formality, especially in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the precise moment

Replaces 'instance' with 'moment', emphasizing a specific point in time.

the exact time

Substitutes 'instance' with 'time', highlighting the accuracy of the timing.

the specific occasion

Emphasizes a particular event rather than just a moment.

at that very moment

Adds emphasis with 'at that', reinforcing the immediacy of the event.

the immediate time

Highlights the lack of delay, suggesting something happened straight away.

the direct moment

Emphasizes that the action or event is not happening in an indirect way.

the actual occurrence

Shifts focus to the event itself, rather than the timing.

the given case

Emphasizes a specific situation or example, often used in legal or analytical contexts.

the particular situation

Highlights a specific set of circumstances or conditions.

the special event

Highlights that something is outstanding.

FAQs

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

Use "the very instance" to emphasize a specific moment in time when something happens or becomes clear. For example, "In "the very instance" the decision was announced, chaos erupted".

What are some alternatives to "the very instance"?

Alternatives include "the precise moment", "the exact time", or "the specific occasion", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "the very instance" or "at that moment"?

"The very instance" adds more emphasis and formality compared to "at that moment". Use "the very instance" when you want to highlight the exact timing of an event.

What's the difference between "the very instance" and "the first instance"?

"The very instance" refers to a specific, emphasized moment, while "the first instance" refers to the initial occurrence of something. They are not interchangeable.