unusual instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusual instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or occurrence that is not typical or expected. Example: "This is an unusual instance where the weather has remained warm in October, surprising many residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The incident appears to be a highly unusual instance of art being stolen for political ends.

The New York Times

He described the contamination as "an extremely unusual instance", adding that a detailed investigation was already under way.

The Guardian

The production is directed by Eustis, in a relatively unusual instance of the artistic director making his own artistic statement.

The New Yorker

The reported inquiry is an unusual instance where the SEC has opened an inquiry into possible disclosure violations of a company without securities listed in the United States.

Columbia University

Finra's sanctions against Mr. Lerner individually also are an unusual instance of a regulator taking action against the head of a brokerage, industry lawyers say.

The New York Times

For Mr. Obama, who has rarely talked about race, this was an unusual instance of openly addressing an issue of deep concern to African-Americans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

One of the more unusual instances was a commercial for the Bell Telephone System, broadcast on television in the late 1960s.

The New York Times - Arts

But surgeons did find two unusual instances in which a sympathectomy helped: it stopped intractable chest pain in patients with advanced, inoperable heart disease, and it put an end to hand and facial sweating in patients with hyperhidrosis — uncontrollable sweating.

The New Yorker

(d) Notwithstanding the time limitations included in paragraph (b) of this section, an applicant may obtain a special waiver of these time limitations in emergency or unusual instances, provided that a specific confirmation is received from the Administrator or his delegate advising the registrant to proceed pursuant to the special waiver.

Cornell University

(c) Notwithstanding the time limitations included in paragraph (a) of this section, a registrant may obtain a special waiver of these time limitations in emergency or unusual instances; provided that a specific confirmation is received from the Administrator or his delegate advising the registrant to proceed pursuant to the special waiver.

Cornell University

A treatment service may be evaluated in terms of patient outcome, but not individual courses of treatment or, indeed, individual therapists except in those unusual instances where there is high patient throughput as in certain treatment trials and implementation initiatives.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unusual instance", ensure the context clearly establishes the norm from which the instance deviates, providing a clear point of reference for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "unusual instance" when "unusual case" or "rare occurrence" would suffice. Overusing more complex phrases can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusual instance" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific occurrence or situation that deviates from what is expected or typical. Ludwig AI shows many examples where it serves to highlight exceptions to general trends.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

26%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unusual instance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase suitable for describing atypical occurrences across various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and usable. While alternatives like "rare occurrence" or "exceptional instance" may sometimes be more appropriate, understanding when and how to effectively employ "unusual instance" can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing. Ensure clear context and avoid overuse to maintain a natural and engaging style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

odd instance

Replaces "unusual" with "odd", suggesting something is strange or peculiar.

unique instance

Replaces "unusual" with "unique", emphasizing the singularity of the event.

exceptional instance

Replaces "unusual" with "exceptional", highlighting the rarity and superiority of the occurrence.

extraordinary instance

Replaces "unusual" with "extraordinary", stressing the remarkable nature of the event.

rare occurrence

Shifts from "instance" to "occurrence", emphasizing the infrequency of the event.

atypical case

Uses "atypical" and "case" instead of "unusual" and "instance", denoting deviation from the standard.

strange event

Replaces "unusual instance" with a simpler phrase highlighting the odd nature of an event.

peculiar situation

Emphasizes the strangeness of a set of circumstances.

aberrant example

Highlights how the example deviates from the norm.

anomalous situation

Replaces with a more formal and technical phrasing.

FAQs

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

You can use "unusual instance" to describe something that deviates from the norm. For example: "The art theft was an "unusual instance" of political activism."

What can I say instead of "unusual instance"?

You can use alternatives like "odd instance", "unique instance", or "rare occurrence" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very unusual instance"?

While not strictly redundant, using "very unusual instance" can be seen as unnecessarily emphatic. Consider using "exceptional instance" or simply "unusual instance" for a stronger, more concise impact.

Which is correct, "unusual instance" or "uncommon instance"?

Both "unusual instance" and "uncommon instance" are grammatically correct, but "unusual instance" is often preferred to emphasize the deviation from the norm, while "uncommon instance" simply denotes something that doesn't happen frequently.