there are instances when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'there are instances when' is a perfectly correct and widely used phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase in a sentence to express the idea that there are certain situations or occasions when a particular thing happens or is true. For example, you can say: "There are instances when government policies have been successful in improving the lives of people in disadvantaged areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

There are instances when it has worked.

The New York Times

"There are instances when a passkey would be appropriate".

The New York Times

And we have learned that there are instances when the use of force is necessary.

The New York Times

Then, there are instances when two parties don't even want to talk, except through the discreet offices of Rubenstein Associates.

The New Yorker

There are instances when unauthorised bank borrowing can have criminal elements, but this is not one of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, there are instances when volunteer positions are abused by fun-seeking individuals who are more intrigued with the idea of experiencing exotic locations and foreign cultures.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Or have there been instances when you're jostling to get back for a group picture after setting the timer of a camera shutter?

TechCrunch

There were instances, when they were teenagers.

The Guardian - Books

There were instances when I wondered, but I couldn't say those were signs of Alzheimer's.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There were instances when offenses in passing situations would avoid the entire half of the field Sanders occupied, or the wide receiver he was covering.

The New York Times - Sports

In the vertical game versus tight coverage, there were instances when Jones did not buy back real estate along the sideline, and he strayed too close to the boundary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there are instances when", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific situations you are referring to. Providing examples or further details can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "there are instances when" without providing any context or specific examples, as this can make your statement vague and unhelpful. Always clarify the instances you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there are instances when" functions as an adverbial phrase. It introduces a clause that specifies the conditions or situations under which a particular statement is true. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

46%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there are instances when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce specific situations or conditions where a statement holds true. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread acceptance is evident across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles. When using this phrase, clarify the specific instances to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralizations. Consider related phrases like "there are times when" or "sometimes" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there are times when

Replaces "instances" with "times", emphasizing specific points in time rather than general occurrences.

there are situations where

Substitutes "instances" with "situations", highlighting specific conditions or circumstances.

there may be occasions when

Introduces a sense of possibility using "may be", suggesting that the instances are not guaranteed but possible.

in certain circumstances

Focuses on the specific conditions that lead to the occurrence of something, adding a layer of specificity.

sometimes

Employs a common adverb to indicate that something happens in some cases but not always, reducing formality.

at times

A simpler and more concise way to express that something happens occasionally.

in some cases

Offers a shorter, more direct way to express that something is true or happens in certain situations.

occasionally

Uses a single adverb to convey the idea of something happening from time to time, simplifying the phrase.

on occasion

Uses a prepositional phrase to indicate that something happens irregularly but not frequently, adding a touch of formality.

from time to time

Indicates that something happens periodically but not constantly, emphasizing the intermittent nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "there are instances when" in a sentence?

The phrase "there are instances when" introduces situations where a particular condition or event occurs. For example, "There are instances when government policies have been successful in improving the lives of people in disadvantaged areas."

What phrases are similar to "there are instances when"?

Similar phrases include "there are times when", "sometimes", or "in some cases", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it better to use "there are instances when" or "sometimes"?

"There are instances when" is more formal and specific, suggesting well-defined situations. "Sometimes" is more general. The best choice depends on the context and the desired tone.

Can "there are instances when" be used in academic writing?

Yes, "there are instances when" is appropriate for academic writing as it introduces exceptions or specific conditions in a formal and clear manner. However, consider using alternatives like "in certain circumstances" for variety.