to give an instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to give an instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce an example or to illustrate a point just made. For example: "To give an instance of this, consider the following scenario. . ."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

To give an instance, such an important scene as Dumbledore's funeral is omitted in the film.

The Guardian

Unions in Britain have been asking for years for someone to give an instance of when core labour standards have been used as a protectionist measure.

The Economist

(In saying a single differentia by itself I mean such an isolated differentia as Cleft-footed; in saying a single differentia with antecedent I mean, to give an instance, Manycleft-footed preceded by Cleft-footed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

To give an instance, we have chosen PS nanospheres of four diameters (223 nm, 347 nm, 509 nm, 1300 nm) to fabricate colloidal-crystal films by adjusting the spin speed and acceleration, and we have investigated the relationship between the monolayer coverage areas and spin parameters by designing different spin speed and acceleration for 509 nm nanosphere.

Applied Surface Science

The squabble took place in 1946 in a Cambridge tutorial room, where Wittgenstein either did or did not threaten Popper with a poker and Popper either did or did not, when asked by Wittgenstein to give an instance of a moral rule, say, "Not to threaten visiting lecturers with pokers".

The New Yorker

The squabble took place in 1946 in a Cambridge tutorial room, where Wittgenstein either did or did not threaten Popper with a poker and Popper either did or did not, when asked by Wittgenstein to give an instance of a moral rule, say, "Not to threaten visiting lecturers with pokers". The authors conclude that the poker incident happened but that the line was strictly a wishful afterthought.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

To give an illustration: If, for instance, in an action of assumpsit the defendant pleaded the general issue, i.e. denied plaintiff's allegation in toto, the only question of substantive law for the court to decide was the question of consideration; all the other prerequisites of contract were within the domain of the jury and its inscrutable verdict.

Harvard University

Ought we, for instance (to give an illustration of what I mean), to begin by discussing each separate species-man, lion, ox, and the like-taking each kind in hand inde.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Like to give a nuanced example, for instance, you have a finance class, and you have a social justice oriented class.

Cornell University

In interviews, Mr. Axelrod's colleagues said he would often weigh in to give an argument more heft — for instance, embracing the use of the term "Romnesia" to describe Mr. Romney's changes in position, but making sure it included a larger argument that his overall policies were more conservative than he was letting on, said his fellow campaign strategist Larry Grisolano.

The New York Times

Several series of experiments are conducted on random and realistic instances to give an insight on the efficiency of the introduced valid inequalities.

Computers & Operations Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to give an instance" to clearly signal that you are about to provide a specific example to support or clarify your point. This helps guide your reader and makes your argument more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "to give an instance" in every situation. Vary your language with alternatives like "to cite an example" or "as an illustration" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to give an instance" functions as an infinitive phrase used to introduce an example or illustration. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically sound. It often acts as an introductory element, signaling that a specific case will follow to clarify or support a preceding statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Academia

29%

Science

42%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to give an instance" is a grammatically correct and usable infinitive phrase serving as an introduction to a clarifying example, according to Ludwig AI. While not the most frequently used phrase, it finds its place in neutral to formal contexts, spanning across news, academic, and scientific domains. For variety and depending on desired level of formality, alternatives like "to cite an example" or "as an illustration" can be considered. Remember to use it strategically to guide your reader effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to cite an example

Replaces 'give' with 'cite', emphasizing the act of referencing a specific example.

to offer an illustration

Substitutes 'give' with 'offer' and 'instance' with 'illustration', focusing on providing a visual or descriptive example.

to provide a case in point

Uses 'provide' instead of 'give' and 'case in point' to highlight a relevant example that supports the argument.

to present a scenario

Replaces 'instance' with 'scenario', emphasizing a hypothetical or real situation as an example.

to exemplify with

Changes the structure to a verb phrase emphasizing the act of using an example to clarify a point.

as an illustration

Uses a prepositional phrase to introduce the example.

for example's sake

Emphasizes that the example is used for the purpose of illustration.

by way of example

Introduces an example in a more formal and literary manner.

to demonstrate through

Focuses on showing something through an example rather than just providing one.

to furnish an instance

Replaces 'give' with 'furnish', offering a more formal tone.

FAQs

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

Use "to give an instance" to introduce a specific example that clarifies or supports your point. For example: "The policy has unintended consequences; to give an instance, small businesses are struggling to comply."

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

You can use phrases like "to cite an example", "as an illustration", or "to provide a case in point" to introduce an example in your writing.

Is it correct to say "to give an instance of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "to give an instance of". For example, "To give an instance of the problem, consider the following scenario."

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

"To give an instance" is a more formal way of introducing an example, while "for example" is more casual. They both serve the purpose of introducing a specific example, but their tone and formality differ slightly.