1 C1 formal
To offer something as a specific example or piece of evidence within an argument.
"The professor instanced in the French Revolution to support her point about social inequality."
inseparable
instance in
C1 formal inseparable transitive
To cite or give something as a specific example or instance within an argument or explanation.
In plain English
To use something as an example to prove your point.
What does "instance in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place something as an instance within an argument — fairly transparent given the noun 'instance'.
Actually means
To use something as an example to prove your point.
Usage tip
Rare and formal. Primarily found in academic or rhetorical writing. In most modern contexts, speakers would say 'cite as an example', 'illustrate with', or simply 'for example'. Derived from the noun 'instance'.
Words that pair with "instance in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
case example evidence argument point text
How to conjugate "instance in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
instance in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
instances in
he/she/it
Past simple
instanced in
yesterday
Past participle
instanced in
have + pp
-ing form
instancing in
continuous
Hear "instance in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "instance in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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