a famous case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a famous case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a well-known legal case or situation that has gained public attention. Example: "The trial of O.J. Simpson is often cited as a famous case in American legal history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

A famous case is Time.

The Economist

"It was a famous case," the lawyer, now Mary Brigid Hayes, told me.

The New Yorker

MetLife discovered that in a famous case arising out of the RJR Nabisco leveraged buyout in the 1980s.

The New York Times

He was also the defendant in a famous case that went before the Supreme Court, in 1978.

The New Yorker

A famous case over the artist Thomas Forsythe's "Food Chain Barbie" series is similar to this one.

The New Yorker

He said British courts are ordinarily reluctant to intervene if, in the words of a famous case, a misunderstanding is possible only by "a moron in a hurry".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

In a famous case-study some time ago a German politician successfully sued a phone company for his metadata and from it reconstructed an alarmingly accurate, detailed picture of his activities, communications and movements over a period of six months.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not a particularly famous case in the annals of American crime: it never generated a national media frenzy or fixed Murray in Americans' minds the way that, say, JonBenét Ramsey was.

The New Yorker

"It's a very famous case in France," Ms. Halberstadt said.

The New York Times

In a particularly famous case in the spring of 2014, one that spurred international outcry, Farzana Parveen's family stoned her to death outside a courthouse in Lahore in daytime, as people, including the police, watched.

The New Yorker

There's a very famous case about 20 years ago now in Mt. Shasta, Calif.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you're writing for a specialized audience (e.g., legal professionals), you might need to use more specific terminology instead of "a famous case" to indicate the type of case.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all readers are familiar with the "famous case" you're referencing. Always provide a brief explanation or context to ensure clarity for a broader audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a famous case" functions as a noun phrase used to reference a specific legal or general event widely recognized and discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a famous case" is a commonly used phrase to refer to a well-known legal or general situation, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's suitable for various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, but also in Science and Encyclopedias. When using the phrase, it's best practice to provide context to ensure clarity, and to avoid assuming universal familiarity. Alternatives include "a well-known instance" or "a celebrated example". The phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves as a shared reference point for discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precedent-setting case

Highlights the case's role in setting a legal precedent.

a well-known instance

Replaces "famous case" with a focus on the instance being well-known.

a widely recognized occurrence

Emphasizes the widespread recognition of the event.

a celebrated example

Emphasizes the positive recognition of the example, differentiating it from a merely famous case.

a prominent illustration

Highlights the illustrative quality of the case, indicating it serves as a clear example.

a notable situation

Focuses on the situation's noteworthiness rather than its fame.

a remarkable incident

Stresses the unusual or exceptional nature of the incident.

a significant event

Highlights the importance of the event rather than its fame.

a landmark decision

Specifically refers to a legal decision that set a precedent.

a notorious affair

Implies the case is famous for negative reasons or scandal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a famous case" to refer to a well-known legal case or situation that has gained public attention. For example, "The O.J. Simpson trial is often cited as "a famous case" in American legal history".

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

Alternatives include "a well-known instance", "a celebrated example", or "a notable situation", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it necessary to provide background information when referring to "a famous case"?

Yes, it is generally best practice to provide some context or background information, even when referring to "a famous case". This ensures that your audience understands the significance of the case and avoids any potential confusion.

Which is more appropriate: "a famous case" or "a well-known case"?

Both "a famous case" and "a well-known case" are appropriate. The choice depends on your personal preference and the specific tone you want to convey. "Famous" implies wider recognition, while "well-known" suggests a more general awareness.