a definitive case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definitive case" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a situation or argument that is clear-cut and convincing and provides a final answer or solution. For example, "The police were able to make a definitive case against the suspect, and he was convicted of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Still, neither side can prove a definitive case.

The New York Times

The report did not make a definitive case either for or against new nuclear.

The Guardian

Two data points don't prove Justice O'Connor wrong, nor do they make a definitive case for or against affirmative action.

The Washington Post

They also said Mr. Bush had not presented a definitive case that Iraq was an imminent threat.

The New York Times

Admittedly, it would be hard to make a story from nearly 40 years ago into a definitive case study.

The New York Times

Nunes's staff put together a memo making what they argued was a definitive case that the Page warrant was improperly biased and inaccurate — and therefore, that the Trump investigation itself was flawed.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Encyclopedia Britannica often is used in case studies as a definitive example of how new technology can disrupt a business.

TechCrunch

Due to the case control design of the study, we were not able to completely address age-period-cohort effects that would result in a more definitive case for critical windows of exposure.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Last Chance ★ 'The Designated Mourner' (closes on Sunday) This revival of Wallace Shawn's anatomy of a survivor in a totalitarian country makes the definitive case for its author as one of the most complex and uncompromising moralists of the American theater.

The New York Times

However, this doesn't mean that new evidence is not welcome and now a rather exciting and pretty definitive case has come forwards.

The Guardian

However, because WNV meningitis has nonspecific clinical manifestations and requires laboratory testing for a definitive diagnosis, case ascertainment and testing practices can affect the number of cases diagnosed.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definitive case" when you want to convey that the evidence or argument presented is so strong and clear that it leads to an inescapable conclusion. Ensure that the context supports the claim of conclusiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "a definitive case" if the evidence is not fully conclusive or if there are lingering doubts or alternative explanations. Overstating the strength of the evidence can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definitive case" functions as a noun phrase, where "definitive" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "case". Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples demonstrating its descriptive capacity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definitive case" is a noun phrase that signifies a compelling and conclusive argument or instance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and scientific fields. Its purpose is to assert the irrefutable nature of an argument, aiming to convince the audience of its certainty. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional and academic settings. To ensure correct usage, avoid overstating the evidence and consider alternative phrases like "a conclusive argument" or "an undeniable instance" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conclusive argument

Emphasizes the final and irrefutable nature of the argument.

an undeniable instance

Highlights the impossibility of denying the validity of the case.

a compelling example

Focuses on the persuasive and convincing nature of the example.

an unassailable case

Stresses the invulnerability and strength of the presented evidence.

a decisive piece of evidence

Highlights the importance of the evidence in reaching a decision.

a certain outcome

Focuses on the predictability and inevitability of the result.

a sure thing

Highlights how easy and predictably things will turn out.

a proven fact

Emphasizes the already demonstrated and established nature of the fact.

a settled matter

Indicates that the issue is resolved and no longer open for debate.

a textbook case

Indicates that the case is a perfect example of something, often used in academic contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a definitive case" to describe a situation where the evidence overwhelmingly supports a particular conclusion. For instance, "The prosecution presented "a definitive case", leading to a swift guilty verdict".

What are some alternatives to using "a definitive case"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a compelling argument", "a conclusive example", or "an undeniable instance".

Is it appropriate to use "a definitive case" in informal writing?

While "a definitive case" is suitable for formal contexts, it can also be used in informal writing when you want to emphasize the strength and clarity of the evidence or argument. Just ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What makes a case "definitive"?

A case is considered "definitive" when the evidence is so strong and clear that it leaves no reasonable doubt about the conclusion. It often involves irrefutable facts and a lack of conflicting evidence.