a particular case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a particular case" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific instance or occurrence of something within a larger category. Example: "The court was presented with a particular case of fraud that involved an elaborate scheme to embezzle funds from the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a particular case.

The New Yorker

"That's a particular case," Ludden said.

The New Yorker

"We can never be certain on a particular case".

The New York Times

Today there has been coverage about a particular case.

The Guardian - Tech

Zytiga, also called abiraterone, is a particular case in point.

The Washington Post

It is the rule as applicable to a particular case.

Harvard University

So let's see how it works in a particular case.

Yale University

Like judges, they cannot be told what decisions to make in a particular case.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You learn not to get too emotionally involved in a particular case.

The New York Times

"More has to be shown, a connection between improprieties and a particular case".

The New York Times

"If a conservative administration doesn't take a strong position in a particular case, that's a signal".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a particular case", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the case distinct. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a particular case" when discussing broad trends or general principles. This phrase is most effective when highlighting specific instances that deviate from the norm or require individualized attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular case" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a single instance out of many possibilities. Ludwig confirms that is widely used across diverse contexts to single out individual scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a particular case" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to highlight specific instances across various domains. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the specific situation you are referencing, avoid overgeneralization, and consider alternative phrases like "a specific instance" or "a unique situation" to further refine your meaning. Its high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources, as identified by Ludwig, underscore its reliability and effectiveness in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific instance

Focuses on the instance being concrete and clearly defined, rather than just special or individual.

a unique situation

Highlights the singular and distinct nature of the circumstances.

an individual example

Emphasizes that the case is just one from a larger group or from a general rule or trend.

a distinct scenario

Stresses the specific set of events and conditions that make up the case.

a special circumstance

Implies a deviation from the norm, requiring specific attention.

a one-off event

Highlights that it's a singular situation not repeating itself.

a concrete illustration

Focuses on the case as serving to clarify or demonstrate a point.

an isolated incident

Highlights the separation of the event from any series of related events.

a tailored approach

Focuses on methods that fit "a particular case" by its peculiarities, rather than common characteristics.

a precise account

Stresses the attention to detail and accuracy in describing the situation.

FAQs

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

Use "a particular case" to refer to a specific instance or example, like: "The lawyer focused on "a particular case" of fraud to illustrate the company's vulnerability."

What are some alternatives to "a particular case"?

You can use phrases like "a specific instance", "a unique situation", or "an individual example" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a particular case" and "a special case"?

"A particular case" emphasizes the specificity of the situation, while "a special case" implies it requires different treatment or consideration due to unique circumstances. "A special case" might have exceptions to general rules.

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

It's appropriate to use "a particular case" when you want to draw attention to a single, specific example or situation that is relevant to your argument or discussion. Avoid using it if you're talking about general trends.