unexpected instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or occurrence that is surprising or not anticipated. Example: "The unexpected instance of heavy snowfall in April caught everyone off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But when it does, and it can be during the most unexpected instance of theatrical tension, you suddenly feel it, and you know you're alive.

Huffington Post

Every time one watches or plays a game or a match, there is that chance that something will occur...a shot, a move, a matchup...that will give us a wow factor, a thrilling moment, an unexpected instance from which we will mark time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Other accents include the unexpected instances when the pitiful underdogs of O.K. (Oozma Kappa) fraternity are able to triumph and shock everyone in parts of the Scare Games competition.

Huffington Post

The resilience of TSE infectivity to inactivation has led to unexpected instances of disease transmission, such as CJD cases caused by contaminated surgical instruments subjected to conventional methods of cleaning and steam sterilization [4].

Plosone

These properties include expected instances where a highly mutated gene contained a highly mutated domain, but also unexpected instances where a shared domain is highly mutated, but the individual genes are not, or even where after the removal of mutations from highly mutated genes, some genes still contain mutations within the shared domain.

BMC Genomics

It included some unexpected stuff for instance, exposure to airline leases and loans for prefabricated-housing in America.

The Economist

An amuse-bouche of unexpected complexity for instance, mini escargot tarts strewn with Parmesan is Lo's gateway drug, and the grand meal that follows is progressively, and agreeably, addictive.

The New Yorker

6 9 There are plausible reasons for this unexpected finding for instance, during the 1998 Korean financial crisis, economic activity was so depressed that there was a detectable decline in traffic-related mortality.

BMJ Open

The words "you just got some great unexpected news", for instance, produced an expression that was happily surprised, while "you smell a bad odour" prompted a disgusted face.

The Guardian

The words "you just got some great unexpected news", for instance, produced an expression that was "happily surprised", while "you smell a bad odour" prompted a "disgusted" face.

Independent

An amuse-bouche of unexpected complexity — for instance, mini escargot tarts strewn with Parmesan — is Lo's gateway drug, and the grand meal that follows is progressively, and agreeably, addictive.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unexpected instance" to add emphasis to the surprise or lack of anticipation surrounding an event, particularly when discussing specific cases or occurrences.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "unexpected instance" can sound slightly redundant in very formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "unforeseen event" or "surprising occurrence" for a more concise and impactful delivery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a particular occurrence or event that was not anticipated or predicted. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unexpected instance" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase that describes an unanticipated occurrence. While not overly common, it appears in diverse sources, including News & Media and Science, making it suitable for various writing styles. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct, although writers might consider alternatives like "unforeseen event" or "surprising occurrence" in highly formal contexts for greater conciseness. The phrase serves to highlight a specific situation that deviates from expectations, adding emphasis to the element of surprise or unpredictability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen occurrence

Emphasizes the lack of prior knowledge or planning for the event.

surprising event

Highlights the element of surprise associated with the event.

unpredicted situation

Focuses on the lack of prediction or anticipation of the scenario.

unanticipated case

Implies a specific instance that was not foreseen.

chance happening

Highlights the role of chance or randomness in the occurrence.

fluke occurrence

Indicates an event that is unlikely and possibly accidental.

random incident

Stresses the lack of pattern or predictability in the event.

unforeseen circumstance

Highlights the circumstantial nature of the unexpected event.

surprise development

Focuses on the unexpected unfolding or evolution of a situation.

unexpected turn of events

Highlights a shift or change in circumstances that was not predicted.

FAQs

How can I use "unexpected instance" in a sentence?

You can use "unexpected instance" to describe a situation or occurrence that was not anticipated. For example, "The "unexpected instance" of heavy rain disrupted the outdoor event".

What are some alternatives to "unexpected instance"?

Alternatives include "unforeseen occurrence", "surprising event", or "unpredicted situation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "unexpected instance" formal or informal?

"Unexpected instance" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very formal contexts, consider more concise alternatives, but it is perfectly acceptable in most writing.

What's the difference between "unexpected instance" and "unusual event"?

"Unexpected instance" emphasizes the lack of anticipation, while "unusual event" highlights the uncommon or atypical nature of the occurrence. They can be used interchangeably in some cases, but the specific emphasis differs.