ENGLISH
REFERENCE

instances

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɪnstənsəz// UK //ˈɪnstənsɪz// in·stances

n. specific examples or cases of something happening. You use this word when you want to talk about a particular time that a situation occurred.

n. particular cases or occurrences of something. Often used to refer to specific examples that illustrate a broader pattern or trend.


SIMPLE

There have been several instances of computer errors this week.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager noted three separate instances where the safety protocols were not followed correctly during the night shift.

COMPLEX

While the overall crime rate is falling, isolated instances of property damage continue to concern local residents who feel the police presence is insufficient.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural; frequently pairs with the preposition 'of' followed by a noun phrase.

Pitfall

for instance offor instance,Learners often confuse the noun 'instances' with the fixed phrase 'for instance', which acts as a transition and should be followed by a comma, not 'of'.

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