a classic case of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a classic case of" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or scenario that is a well-known or typical example of a particular type of problem or phenomenon. Examples: 1. The student's failure to study and prepare for the exam was a classic case of academic neglect. 2. The company's bankruptcy was a classic case of mismanagement and overspending. 3. The recent outbreak of food poisoning at the restaurant is a classic case of unsanitary food handling practices. 4. His behavior at the party was a classic case of social awkwardness. 5. The politician's scandal is a classic case of corruption in the government.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a classic case of opinion leadership.

The Washington Post

Isn't this a classic case of transference?

The Guardian - Opinion

A classic case of "rent, don't buy".

The New York Times

"It is a classic case of robbery".

The New York Times

A classic case of sibling rivalry, then?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or is this a classic case of pride of authorship?

The New York Times

It was a classic case of adolescent infatuation.

The New Yorker

To some investors, Tesla is a classic case of hype.

The Washington Post

'It's a classic case of misinformation' insisted Ned.

The Guardian - Film

Call it a classic case of supply meeting demand.

The New York Times - Science

It is a classic case of conflict of interest".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a classic case of" to succinctly label a situation or event as a prime example of a broader trend or phenomenon. This helps to quickly establish the context and significance for your audience.

Common error

While "a classic case of" is generally acceptable, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "typical example" or "just like" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a classic case of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It serves to categorize or label a particular situation or instance as a typical or well-known example of a certain phenomenon, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a classic case of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to identify something as a prime or typical example of a particular phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While versatile, be mindful of its potential formality, particularly in casual settings. Alternatives like "a textbook example of" or "a prime example of" can offer nuanced emphasis. This phrase appears most frequently in news media and academic writing, cementing its role as a concise descriptor in various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prime example of

Substitutes "classic" with "prime", emphasizing the quintessential nature of the instance.

a textbook example of

Replaces "classic" with "textbook", suggesting a more formal or academic illustration.

a typical instance of

Uses "typical instance" to convey that the case is representative and common.

a perfect representation of

Highlights that the case accurately embodies the characteristics of something.

a standard illustration of

Replaces "case" with "illustration", suggesting a demonstration or explanation.

an ideal model of

Suggests that the case is a superior or exemplary version of something.

a clear demonstration of

Focuses on the illustrative nature of the case, emphasizing its clarity.

a notable occurrence of

Emphasizes the significance or memorability of the case.

a frequent manifestation of

Focuses on the repeated or habitual appearance of something.

a common display of

Indicates that the case is a regularly observed or exhibited instance of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a classic case of" is used to describe a situation that perfectly exemplifies a certain type of event or problem. For example, "The company's failure to adapt to new technologies is "a classic case of" corporate inertia".

What are some alternatives to "a classic case of"?

Alternatives to "a classic case of" include phrases like "a textbook example of", "a prime example of", or "a typical instance of", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "a classic case of" or should I use another phrase?

"A classic case of" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in English. Whether you should use it depends on the context and your desired tone, but there's nothing grammatically incorrect about it. Alternatives such as "a perfect example of" might be more appropriate in certain situations.

What does "a classic case of" imply?

Using the phrase "a classic case of" implies that the situation being described is not only typical but also well-known or widely recognized as such. It suggests that the instance perfectly represents the characteristics and consequences associated with that type of situation.