to cite an instance when

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I later discovered that I fell short in my response to a question asking me to cite an instance when I took care of someone else.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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 cited an instance when she interviewed Dan Quayle during the 1992 presidential campaign.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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

The Guardian - Film

He told the senator that the Satmars had a history of helping elect African-American candidates, citing an instance when they even backed one over a Jew.

The New York Times

Nutt says the chain's relationship with Ofsted also requires improvement, citing an instance when the inspectorate apparently mistakenly sent TKAT data on another academy chain.

The Guardian

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

Los Angeles Times

The HR director cited an instance when she took a call from her son's school and abruptly left a client meeting.

HuffPost

To cite only one instance, when Neil says he used to think about death as a child, it seems unlikely that he would never have discussed this with his lover.

The New York Times

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

He lists dozens of instances where America or Japan have provoked China's army, but fails to cite a single example of Chinese provocation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to cite an instance when" to introduce a specific example that directly supports your argument or clarifies a point. Ensure the instance is relevant and clearly linked to the topic.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "to cite an instance when". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "for example" or "to illustrate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to cite an instance when" functions as an introductory phrase that signals the forthcoming presentation of a specific example. It helps structure arguments by clearly marking the introduction of supporting evidence. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to cite an instance when" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to introduce specific examples in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki contexts. While effective, writers should vary their sentence structure to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives such as "to give an example of when" or "to illustrate with a situation when" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to give an example of when

Replaces "cite" with "give an example", providing a slightly more explicit and less formal alternative.

to point out a case where

Focuses on highlighting a specific occurrence, emphasizing the factual aspect of the instance.

to illustrate with a situation when

Emphasizes the illustrative purpose of the example, making the connection to a broader point clearer.

to mention a time when

Offers a less formal way to introduce an example, suitable for conversational or less academic contexts.

as an illustration of when

Positions the instance as a direct illustration, useful for clarifying abstract concepts.

to offer a scenario where

Introduces a hypothetical or real-world situation that serves as an example.

to highlight a moment when

Emphasizes a specific point in time, drawing attention to the particular circumstances.

to reference an occasion when

Uses more formal language to introduce an example, suitable for academic or professional writing.

to bring up an instance where

Suggests recalling or introducing a past event as an example.

to recall a situation in which

Focuses on remembering a specific scenario that serves as an example.

FAQs

How can I use "to cite an instance when" in a sentence?

You can use "to cite an instance when" to introduce a specific example that supports your argument. For example: "To cite an instance when teamwork led to success, consider the project we completed last year".

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

You can use alternatives like "to give an example of when", "to point out a case where", or "to illustrate with a situation when" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "to cite an instance when" in formal writing?

Yes, "to cite an instance when" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider alternatives like "to reference an occasion when" for an even more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "to cite an instance when" and "for example"?

"To cite an instance when" is more formal and explicitly introduces a specific case, while "for example" is a more general way to introduce any kind of example. They are interchangeable in some contexts but "to cite an instance when" can signal a more deliberate and significant example.