a certain case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific situation or instance without naming it directly. Example: "In a certain case, the evidence presented was deemed insufficient for a conviction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

To be fair, a certain case can be made for a smoking alert.

The New York Times

Some video cables, for example, may not work with the newest iPods, or a certain case may fit only a certain model.

The New York Times - Tech

But there is a certain case for expansion packs where you get new content of some sort, where the payment is outside the gameplay behind a parental lock".

The Guardian - Tech

And then you've got the right in Europe, which is anti-immigrant, and broadly populist, because they don't like the way elites have governed Europe – and they've got a certain case to be made.

The Guardian

But there is a certain case for expansion packs where you get new content of some sort, where the payment is outside the gameplay behind a parental lock... Trust takes a very long time to build up, but you can ruin it very quickly.

The Guardian - Tech

The Suc means that the primary data is successfully delivered in a certain case.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"It does need, in some cases, a certain type of personality to make it work better.

The New York Times

In rhetoric and grammar, analogy was the method of settling a doubt about a word's form by appeal to a similar and more certain case.

SEP

I am actually receiving emails, plenty of them, off topic, on the subject of a certain court case but we have to stick to facts, not opinions.

The Guardian - Sport

It did indeed, and left Ireland a certain bailout case.

The New York Times

A customers cloud instances always serves a certain business case.

Journal of Cloud Computing: Advances, Systems and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain case", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what kind of situation you are referring to, without explicitly naming it. This maintains a level of generality while still conveying meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain case" excessively without providing sufficient context. Overuse can make your writing vague and less informative. If the specific case is important, consider providing more details or use a more specific term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain case" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective and a noun, modifying the noun "case". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain case" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to refer to a specific instance without explicitly naming it. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. While it appears in various contexts like News & Media and Science, providing sufficient context is important to prevent vagueness. Consider using alternatives like "a specific example" or "a particular instance" for clarity or variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular instance

Emphasizes the specific and distinct nature of the situation.

a specific example

Highlights that the case serves as a concrete illustration.

a given situation

Focuses on the conditions or circumstances at hand.

a defined scenario

Suggests the case has clear boundaries and characteristics.

a precise event

Points out the case is a single, distinct occurrence.

a singular occurrence

Highlights the uniqueness and isolated nature of the case.

a notable example

Indicates the case is worthy of attention or stands out.

a relevant situation

Stresses the case's pertinence to a broader topic or context.

a considered instance

Emphasizes that the case has been carefully examined or thought about.

an illustrative case

Highlights the case's ability to clarify or exemplify a concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain case" to refer to a specific instance or situation without explicitly naming it. For example, "In "a certain case", the evidence was deemed insufficient."

What are some alternatives to "a certain case"?

Alternatives include "a particular instance", "a specific example", or "a given situation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain case" instead of being more specific?

It's appropriate when the specific details of the case are not essential to the point you're making, or when you want to maintain a level of generality or avoid revealing confidential information.

Is "a certain case" formal or informal language?

"A certain case" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more precise language may be preferred in highly formal or academic writing.