In certain cases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In certain cases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something applies only under specific circumstances or conditions. Example: "In certain cases, additional documentation may be required to process your application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In certain cases the affiliation is unmistakable.

The New York Times - Arts

In certain cases, next time is never.

The Guardian - Books

In certain cases landscape means geography, figuring out what's where.

The New York Times - Arts

In certain cases, the S.E.C. would go even further.

The New York Times

In certain cases, that may be the desired effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In certain cases there was trial by ordeal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In certain cases, I think it would be medically appropriate".

The New York Times

In certain cases, the parents themselves seem to be pleased.

The New York Times

In certain cases, a male mistress dispeller may even seduce the woman.

The New Yorker

In certain cases, there is no alternative to going the custom route.

The New York Times

In certain cases, it calls for more worker training in buildings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in certain cases" to introduce exceptions or specific conditions to a general statement, providing clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "in certain cases". Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "under specific conditions" or rephrasing to integrate the conditionality within the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in certain cases" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the conditions under which an action or statement is valid. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that something applies only under specific circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in certain cases" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce conditionality and qualify statements across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. It is frequently found in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While it's a useful phrase, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "under certain circumstances" for varied sentence structure. Using "in certain cases" provides clarity and precision, ensuring information is context-specific and avoids generalizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Under certain circumstances

Replaces "cases" with "circumstances", offering a slightly more formal tone.

In specific situations

Replaces "cases" with "situations", emphasizing a particular set of conditions.

In select situations

Emphasizes a deliberate choice or restriction of the situations in which something occurs.

In some instances

Substitutes "certain" with "some" and "cases" with "instances", indicating less specificity.

Depending on the situation

Highlights that the outcome varies based on circumstances.

Subject to conditions

Emphasizes that something is conditional and depends on fulfilling specific requirements.

On occasion

Simplifies the phrase to indicate that something happens sometimes, but not regularly.

In exceptional circumstances

Indicates that the described event occurs only in rare or unusual situations.

Where appropriate

Similar to "when applicable", but emphasizes suitability or correctness.

When applicable

Offers a concise way to indicate that something is only relevant under particular conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "in certain cases" in a sentence?

You can use "in certain cases" to introduce a situation where a general rule might not apply or when specific conditions need to be met. For example, "In certain cases, additional documentation may be required."

What are some alternatives to "in certain cases"?

Alternatives include "under certain circumstances", "in some instances", or "depending on the situation", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "in certain cases" and "in all cases"?

"In certain cases" implies that something is true or applicable only sometimes, while "in all cases" suggests it is always true or applicable without exception.

When is it appropriate to use "in certain cases" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "in certain cases" in formal writing when you need to qualify a statement and indicate that it doesn't apply universally. It adds precision and avoids overgeneralizations.