a case apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"a case apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that a situation or example is different from the others of its kind. Example sentence: Although she had been a successful businesswoman for 30 years, this case was a case apart from the rest.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But Lewthwaite's is a case apart.

The Guardian - Opinion

With more than 20,000 cases pending, Russia is a case apart.

The Guardian

Opera is often talked about as a case apart in the arts world – does it have to be this way?

The Guardian

"Greece is being treated as a case apart because it entered the crisis with a debt that was already so high.

The Telegraph

The tribunal's judgment, and the information commissioner's earlier decision, is based on my argument that the transition risk register for the NHS reorganisation is a case apart.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kristeva is a case apart: her turtleneck sweater is light, more elegant than practical, and she's not wearing anything over it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

In any case, apart from some drooping in the brasses, this was a generally fine performance, basically in the old triumphalist mode.

The New York Times - Arts

Equilibrium thermodynamics is contained in the more general non-equilibrium thermodynamic theory as a special case, apart from that the two cannot be unified.

Electrochimica Acta

Their only weapon, in this case, apart from a knife of familiar and domestic size, is a camera and every media outlet in the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the other hand, Mr. Pitt noted, "there is no suggestion here that this decision would apply in every single case," because Citigroup has reached such settlements before, a situation that sets this case apart from many Securities and Exchange Commission settlements.

The New York Times

What sets the case apart from a series of recent political prosecutions in Russia is that not one of the defendants was a high-profile opposition leader when arrested.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a case apart" when you want to emphasize that something is different or should be treated differently from other similar things. It adds a layer of distinction and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a case apart" simply to make a comparison without a clear reason for the distinction. Ensure there's a valid, significant difference that warrants setting it apart.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a case apart" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It identifies a specific instance as being distinct or exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a case apart" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote something distinct or exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It commonly appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts, signaling a deviation from the norm or standard. Alternatives include "an exception" or "a special case", though "a case apart" carries a unique emphasis on separation and distinctiveness. When using this phrase, make sure the subject truly merits being singled out, and avoid overuse in simple comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a special case

This phrase emphasizes the unique nature of the situation being described.

unlike others

Directly states the subject's dissimilarity to comparable items.

an exception

This alternative highlights the concept of something being outside the norm or general rule.

a class of its own

Indicates that something is so unique it cannot be compared to others.

out of the ordinary

Emphasizes the unusual or atypical nature of the subject.

a unique situation

Focuses on the distinct circumstances surrounding the event.

an anomaly

This alternative emphasizes something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

an isolated incident

Suggests the event is not part of a larger pattern or trend.

a singular instance

Focuses on the fact that it is a single and perhaps non-recurring event.

a different matter

Highlights a change of subject to something unrelated.

FAQs

How can I use "a case apart" in a sentence?

Use "a case apart" to indicate that something is distinct and should be considered separately. For example, "While most employees followed standard procedures, her situation was "a case apart" due to extenuating circumstances."

What does "a case apart" mean?

The phrase "a case apart" means that something is different from the others of its kind. This difference usually warrants separate consideration or treatment.

Which is correct, "a case apart" or "an exception to the rule"?

Both phrases convey a similar idea, but ""a case apart"" emphasizes uniqueness, while "an exception to the rule" highlights a deviation from a general principle.

What are some synonyms for "a case apart"?

Synonyms include "a special case", "an exception", or "a unique situation". Each carries a slightly different nuance but essentially indicates distinctiveness.