to cite an instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to cite an instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide a specific example or case to support a point or argument. Example: "To cite an instance of successful teamwork, consider the project we completed last year that exceeded all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

To accentuate this point, the authors cite an instance of a Caesarean section performed on a normal woman who carried an anomalous foetus to term, only to die subsequently of surgical complications.

BMC Medical Ethics

Neither could specifically cite an instance of a player being ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit in recent years.

The New York Times - Sports

Ironically, one of the best retorts to such posturing was supplied by the founder of "liberal internationalism", Woodrow Wilson, on the occasion of US intervention into the Mexican revolution: "I challenge you," he said, "to cite me an instance in all the history of the world where liberty was handed down from above.

The Guardian - Opinion

He cites an instance when Robert Thomson, who was then the Journal's managing editor, tried to prevent the publication of a supposedly damaging article.

The Guardian

She cites an instance when she and her mother were turned away from a hotel in Florida.

The Guardian - Film

He cited an instance when he escaped an Oregon State player who was "wrapped around his ankles".

Los Angeles Times

Icelanders like to cite the instance of a tourist who'd gone missing from her tour group.

The New Yorker

But officials with the Justice Department and the State Department were hard pressed to cite another instance in which an American citizen on trial in a distant nation was given his or her day in court here, in the United States, through a little silver camera like the one that watched the pilot Jan Paul Paladino motionlessly on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Williams passed when Lauer asked him to cite other instances where he told stories that were not true.

Los Angeles Times

Trump went on to cite alleged instances of refugee-perpetrated crimes and terrorism in Europe as evidence that the U.S. should adopt a more restrictive refugee policy.

Huffington Post

On this basis disease might be classified as staphylococcal or rickettsial or fungal, to cite only a few instances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to cite an instance", ensure that the instance you provide is directly relevant to the point you are making and adds significant weight to your argument. Always provide context to clarify its relevance.

Common error

Avoid using an instance that is too specific or unusual to support a general claim. Ensure that the cited instance is representative and widely applicable to avoid weakening your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to cite an instance" functions as an infinitive phrase used to introduce a specific example or case. The phrase explicitly signals that the speaker or writer will reference a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to cite an instance" serves as a useful tool for writers and speakers aiming to bolster their arguments with specific examples. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that the phrase, while grammatically sound and commonly used in news and media, scientific, and formal contexts, calls for careful selection of examples. Ensure relevance and avoid overgeneralization, the phrase is neutral to formal register. Consider options such as "to provide an example" for broader applicability. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can use "to cite an instance" effectively to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to provide an example

Focuses on giving an example, which is a broader term than citing a specific instance.

to give a case in point

Emphasizes giving a relevant example to illustrate a specific point.

to offer an illustration

Highlights the illustrative nature of the example.

to reference a situation

Broader; refers to a situation without necessarily providing full details.

to point to a scenario

Suggests a specific scenario or event is relevant.

to mention a case

Implies a more formal mentioning of a legal or similar case.

to present a precedent

Highlights a previous case or action serving as a guide.

to allude to an event

Refers indirectly to an event without explicitly detailing it.

to bring up a fact

Focuses on introducing a factual detail to support a statement.

to detail a circumstance

Emphasizes providing a detailed account of a specific circumstance.

FAQs

What is the best way to use "to cite an instance" in a sentence?

Use "to cite an instance" to introduce a specific example that supports your argument or claim. Make sure the instance is relevant and clearly connected to the point you're making. For example, "To illustrate the effectiveness of this policy, "to cite an instance", consider the case of company X, which saw a 30% increase in productivity after its implementation."

What are some alternatives to "to cite an instance"?

You can use phrases like "to provide an example", "to give a case in point", or "to offer an illustration" as alternatives to "to cite an instance". These options vary slightly in formality and emphasis but serve a similar purpose.

How formal is the phrase "to cite an instance"?

"To cite an instance" is relatively formal and suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. For more informal settings, you might prefer simpler alternatives like "to give an example".

When is it appropriate to use "to cite an instance" over other similar phrases?

Use "to cite an instance" when you want to highlight a specific occurrence or case that is particularly relevant or authoritative. It implies a degree of specificity and credibility that might not be conveyed by more general phrases like "to give an example".