On this instance vs. In this instance – Which is Correct?
When choosing between “on this instance” and “in this instance,” use “in this instance” for the usual meaning “in this particular case.” “On this instance” is valid mainly when instance means a specific occurrence, object, or software object being acted on. In ordinary prose, “in this instance” sounds natural and precise.
On This Instance or In This Instance – Which Is Correct?
Both phrases can be grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. “In this instance” is the standard expression when you mean “in this particular case,” “in this example,” or “on this occasion.”
“On this instance” is less common and usually appears when instance refers to a particular object, occurrence, or technical entity. For example, a programmer might write, “Run the method on this instance.” In general writing, however, “in this instance” is almost always the better choice.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the case test: if you could replace instance with case, choose “in this instance.” For example, “In this instance, the evidence is insufficient” means “In this case, the evidence is insufficient.”
Use “on this instance” only when something acts on, operates on, or is attached to a specific instance. This is especially common in computing and software development.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| In this instance | Prepositional phrase | In this particular case or example | In this instance, the delay was unavoidable. |
| On this instance | Prepositional phrase | On or using a particular object or occurrence | The program operates on this instance. |
How to Use In This Instance
“In this instance” is a formal or neutral phrase used to identify a particular case, example, or situation. It often introduces a conclusion, exception, explanation, or judgment. The phrase is common in academic writing, business communication, legal writing, journalism, and careful everyday speech.
It generally refers to something already mentioned or understood. Because it means “in this particular case,” it should not usually be used to refer to a physical location. When discussing time or an event, on this occasion may be more appropriate.
Example 1: In this instance, the committee decided to postpone the vote.
Example 2: The usual procedure was followed, but in this instance, an exception was necessary.
Example 3: In this instance, the cheaper option offered better long-term value.
Etymology of the Word Instance
Instance comes from the Latin instantia, meaning “presence,” “urgency,” or “a pressing demand.” It entered English through Old French and developed meanings connected with an example, occurrence, or particular case. The preposition in emphasizes inclusion within a specific case or situation.
How to Use On This Instance
“On this instance” is grammatically possible but much less idiomatic than “in this instance.” It is most natural when instance means a distinct object, occurrence, or software object that another action operates on.
In technical writing, an instance can be a particular occurrence of a class, process, virtual machine, or database environment. In that context, an action can be performed on an instance. Outside technical or highly specific contexts, readers may regard “on this instance” as an awkward attempt to say “in this instance.”
Example 1: The update was successfully applied on this instance of the application.
Example 2: The administrator can run the diagnostic tool on this instance.
Example 3: The same problem occurred on this instance of the device but not on the others.
Etymology of the Word Instance
The word instance has the same Latin and Old French roots when it appears in the phrase “on this instance.” Its meaning depends on context: it can refer to a case or example in general English, or to a distinct occurrence or object in technical language.
Related Concepts
Understanding the difference between prepositions and the meanings of instance helps explain why one phrase is more natural in ordinary prose while the other has a narrower use.
- Prepositional phrases: A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition such as in or on and ends with a noun or noun phrase. The preposition shows the relationship between the phrase and the rest of the sentence.
- Case versus occasion: In this instance usually means “in this case.” If you mean a particular event or time, on this occasion may be the clearer expression.
- Technical instances: In programming, an instance is a particular object created from a class or a specific running copy of a system. Actions are commonly performed on such instances.
- Formal register: Both phrases can sound formal, but in this instance is widely accepted in general professional writing, whereas on this instance is generally limited to specialized contexts.
Examples from Media and Literature
The following examples reflect the ways these phrases commonly appear in published, professional, and technical communication:
- News writing: A report might state, “In this instance, officials chose not to release the full findings,” using the phrase to describe a particular case.
- Legal writing: A judgment may explain that “in this instance” a rule does not apply because the facts are different.
- Academic writing: A research paper may use “in this instance” when contrasting a general pattern with one specific result.
- Business communication: A manager might write, “In this instance, a refund is more appropriate than a replacement.”
- Software documentation: Technical instructions may say, “Run the command on this instance,” referring to a particular server, application object, or virtual machine.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct phrase to complete each sentence: in this instance or on this instance.
- _______, the customer will receive a full refund.
- The engineer tested the patch _______ of the operating system.
- _______, the standard explanation does not account for the results.
- The administrator installed the security tool _______.
- _______, the exception was approved by the review board.
Answer Key
- In this instance — This means “in this particular case.”
- On this instance — The phrase refers to a specific technical occurrence or object being tested.
- In this instance — This introduces a particular example or situation.
- On this instance — The administrator performs an action on a particular technical instance.
- In this instance — This refers to a specific case in which an exception was approved.
In This Instance Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| In this case | In this particular situation |
| In this example | With regard to this specific example |
| In this situation | Under the circumstances being discussed |
| Here | In the particular matter or situation under consideration |
On This Instance Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| On this object | Acting directly on a particular object |
| On this occurrence | With regard to this specific occurrence |
| On this copy | Operating on a particular copy or version of something |
| On this system | Operating on a particular computer system or software environment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “in this instance” correct?
Yes. “In this instance” is correct and widely used to mean “in this particular case” or “in this example.” It is the preferred expression in most general, academic, business, and formal writing.
Question 2: Is “on this instance” grammatically correct?
It can be correct in a specialized context, especially when an instance is a specific object, device, process, or software entity that an action operates on. In ordinary prose, it usually sounds unnatural.
Question 3: Should I say “on this instance” or “on this occasion”?
Use “on this occasion” when referring to a particular event or time. Use “in this instance” when referring to a particular case or example. “On this instance” is not normally the best replacement for either phrase.
Conclusion
Choose “in this instance” when you mean “in this particular case,” which is the meaning most writers intend. Use “on this instance” only when referring to a specific object, occurrence, or technical instance that an action affects. Pro Tip: In professional writing, replacing an unnecessary “on this instance” with “in this instance” can make your wording sound more natural and polished.
