a case of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a case of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular instance or example of something. For example, "This is a case of mistaken identity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A case of wine.

The New Yorker

A case of equine inequality?

The New York Times

A case of sympathetic identification?

The Economist

A case of opposites attracting?

The New York Times

It's a case of choking.

Independent

A case of mistaken identity?

The Economist

But that is a case of semantics.

The New York Times

Was this a case of pilot error?

The New York Times

Got a case of "creators-block"?

The New Yorker

"Buy me a case of Camay online".

The New York Times

A case of crossed but reparable signals?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a case of" to introduce specific instances or examples, especially when analyzing or discussing a topic in detail. For example, instead of saying "There was a problem", try "It was a case of miscommunication".

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "It's a case of" or "This is a case of". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a case of" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a specific instance or example of something. It serves to categorize or describe a situation, action, or phenomenon. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

31%

Science & Research

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a case of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce specific instances or examples. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "an instance of" or "an example of". Remember to use the phrase to highlight specific situations and avoid overuse for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an instance of

Formal alternative that emphasizes a specific occurrence or example.

an example of

Highlights something representative or illustrative of a broader category.

a situation involving

Focuses on the circumstances and elements present in a particular scenario.

a matter of

Refers to something under consideration or requiring attention.

a question of

Highlights uncertainty or debate surrounding a particular issue.

a study of

Emphasizes a structured inquiry or analysis of a specific subject.

an event concerning

Refers to a notable occurrence related to a specific topic or person.

a problem with

Highlights an issue or difficulty associated with something.

an incident regarding

Emphasizes a specific occurrence, often negative or problematic.

an experience concerning

Focuses on a personal or collective encounter related to a specific subject.

FAQs

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

Use "a case of" to introduce a specific instance or example. For example, "This is "a case of mistaken identity"" or "It was "a case of bad luck"".

What are some alternatives to "a case of"?

You can use phrases like "an instance of", "an example of", or "a situation involving" as alternatives to "a case of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a case of" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a case of" when you want to highlight a specific occurrence or example to illustrate a point or analyze a situation. Use it to provide clarity and focus on the particular instance you're discussing.

Is "a case of" formal or informal language?

"A case of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "an instance of" or "an example of" for a more sophisticated tone.