upon the first instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon the first instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first occurrence or event of something happening. Example: "Upon the first instance of a problem, please notify the supervisor immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, this decree proved challenging upon the first instance of its application.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So long a time has elapsed since the passage of that act that we have considered it our duty to communicate with you upon the subject, in the first instance, in order that there may be a full understanding and co-operation in the action of the railroad company and the officers of the state.

Cornell University

(Alexander, 75) For Alexander, self-monitoring was highly dependent, in the first instance, upon recognising that a health problem exists.

BMC Health Services Research

Whether they are so must depend, in the first instance, not upon what they have done or omitted, but upon the question whether the plaintiffs have severally shown themselves entitled to the right of which, it is alleged, they were illegally deprived.

Cornell University

But the language relied upon was in each instance used by the court in making the point, not that the sole method of review was by appeal, as distinguished from a bill in equity, but that the function of the courts was to review only after the commission had in the first instance passed upon the case.

Cornell University

The plaintiffs have suffered injury within the meaning of section 8 of the Interstate Commerce Act (49 USCA § 8); and the purpose of that section would be defeated if the tort-feasors were permitted to escape reparation by a plea that the ultimate incidence of the injury was not upon those who were compelled in the first instance to pay the unlawful charge.

Cornell University

However, subsection (f) provides for a return of ninety per cent of the bail deposit (which amounts to (retention of) one per cent of the amount of bail set by the court in the first instance) to the accused upon compliance with the conditions of the bail bond.

Cornell University

Anke Neibig Newcastle upon Tyne That the Guardian does not in the first instance call the Nazi camps "German" is not a sign of "worrying political correctness".

The Guardian

Upon him alone was imposed the responsibility, in the first instance, of making rules and regulations for the 'proper and economical execution' of the statutes in question, through agents whom he should designate.

Cornell University

The evangelisation of such people may well depend then, in the first instance, not so much upon exposure to specifically Christian concepts as upon experiences of transcendence mediated through encounters with the beauty or majesty of the natural world, or of church or other buildings.

SEP

In the first instance, the Commission would call upon the European Council to conclude, by unanimity, that there was such a risk (Article 7(2)).

European Parliament

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upon the first instance", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to the very first occurrence of an event. This phrase can add a touch of formality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "upon the first instance" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "initially" or "at first" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon the first instance" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or condition under which an action should be taken. It introduces a specific condition relating to the initial occurrence of an event. Ludwig AI shows its correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon the first instance" is a grammatically sound phrase that denotes the very first occurrence of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively rare, its usage is often found in formal and scientific contexts, serving to establish clear conditions for subsequent actions. For less formal settings, consider using alternatives like "initially" or "at the beginning". Remember to use this phrase precisely to maintain the intended level of formality in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the outset

Emphasizes the beginning or commencement of something, differing in formality and directness.

initially

Focuses on the starting point or the beginning phase of a process or event.

at the beginning

Highlights the temporal aspect of starting something, less formal.

in the initial stage

Specifies a phase-based beginning, useful for processes with distinct stages.

to begin with

Introduces the first point or action in a sequence or list.

in the first place

Highlights the primary reason or consideration, often used to emphasize importance.

at first

Emphasizes a contrast between an initial state and a later one.

originally

Focuses on the initial condition or state before changes occurred.

in its infancy

Suggests a stage of early development, often used for projects or ideas.

from the get-go

An informal way to express "from the very beginning".

FAQs

What does "upon the first instance" mean?

It means "at the first occurrence" or "the very first time something happens".

How can I use "upon the first instance" in a sentence?

For example: "Upon the first instance of a problem, notify the supervisor immediately."

What are some alternatives to "upon the first instance"?

You can use alternatives like "initially", "at the outset", or "at the beginning" depending on the context.

Is "upon the first instance" formal or informal?

It leans towards formal usage. In casual conversation, phrases like "at first" or "initially" might be more suitable.