instance
B2Formal to neutral; common in written and spoken English across academic, professional, and technical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A particular occurrence or example of something; a specific case or situation that illustrates a general rule, type, or category.
In computing, a single occurrence of a running program or object created from a class; in formal contexts, a stage in a process or a specific request or suggestion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. Emphasizes individuality within a category. Often used to introduce a specific example that supports or illustrates a broader point. Contrasts with 'example' by being more formal and often referring to a concrete, documented occurrence rather than a typical specimen.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slightly higher frequency in formal British English. The phrase 'in the first instance' is more common in UK administrative/legal contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties share formal, precise connotations. In US corporate/tech jargon, 'instance' (computing) is ubiquitous.
Frequency
High frequency in both, with a slight edge in UK formal writing and US technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + an instance of + [noun] (e.g., 'cite an instance of')[adjective] + instance (e.g., 'a glaring instance')in + [possessive/this] + instance (e.g., 'in that instance')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “for instance”
- “in the first instance”
- “in that/this instance”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to refer to specific cases of policy application, customer interactions, or market events. 'We must review each instance of non-compliance.'
Academic
Common in research to cite specific occurrences that illustrate a theory or phenomenon. 'The 2008 crisis is a prime instance of market failure.'
Everyday
Used formally to give examples or discuss specific events. 'I can't recall a single instance of him being late.'
Technical
In computing, a single running copy of a program or an object created from a class. 'Each user session launches a new instance of the application.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- In this particular instance, we must follow the protocol to the letter.
- The report documented several instances of unauthorised access.
- For instance, consider the impact on local biodiversity.
American English
- This is a clear instance of copyright infringement.
- The software can handle multiple instances running simultaneously.
- Can you give me an instance where that strategy actually worked?
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'For instance' means 'for example'.
- I saw one instance of a red squirrel.
- This was not an isolated instance; it happened three times.
- In that instance, the manager made the final decision.
- The study examines a notable instance of urban regeneration in post-industrial cities.
- Each instance of the virus was genetically sequenced to track its spread.
- The court's ruling in this instance creates a problematic precedent for future intellectual property disputes.
- The philosopher argued that every moral choice is a unique instance of practical reasoning, irreducible to mere rule-following.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'IN a STANCE' – a specific posture or situation you are IN. It's a particular 'stance' or case within a broader category.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN INSTANCE IS A SPECIFIC POINT IN A CONTAINER (of possibilities/category). AN INSTANCE IS A DOCUMENTED SAMPLE (from an archive of occurrences).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'instant' (мгновенный). 'Instance' is about a case/example (экземпляр, случай).
- Do not use 'instance' for a general 'example' in casual speech; it's more formal than 'пример'.
- The computing term 'instance' is directly borrowed as 'инстанс' in Russian IT jargon.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'instance' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'much instance' instead of 'many instances').
- Confusing spelling: 'instence'.
- Overusing in casual speech where 'example' or 'case' would be more natural.
- Misusing 'for an instance' instead of the fixed phrase 'for instance'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'instance' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Instance' often refers to a concrete, specific occurrence that happened, while 'example' is a more general term for a representative specimen used for explanation. 'Instance' is also more formal.
Yes, in most contexts they are interchangeable. 'For example' is more common in all registers, while 'for instance' is slightly more formal and often used in writing.
Rarely and archaically. The verb 'to instance' (to cite as an example) is largely obsolete. In modern English, 'instance' is almost exclusively a noun.
It means 'as the first step' or 'initially'. It is common in formal British English, especially in procedural, legal, or administrative contexts (e.g., 'Applicants should, in the first instance, apply online.').
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