a private case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a private case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation or matter that is confidential or not meant for public knowledge. Example: "The lawyer advised her to keep the details of the private case to herself to protect her client's interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A private case demands that 21 big online firms in India pre-censor all published content.

The Economist

In Germany, a private case is threatened against Niantic over third-party information sharing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, if this were a private case, the client might well charge malpractice.

The New York Times

Mr Clifford himself brought a private case against the News of the World over the hacking of his phone and received a reported settlement of £1 million.

Independent

Whether the result is a private case study of the libido besieged and unleashed, or whether we follow Petri and read Volonté's rampage as proof of a wider insanity, is for every viewer to judge.

The New Yorker

The core functionality of LGraph was implemented using a private case class LgImpl: private case class LgImpl[+E,+V] ( graph: Graph, vertices: IndexedSeq[V], eMap: Map[Edge,E] ) extends LGraph[E,V] { def vLabel (v: Int) = vertices (v) def eLabel (e: Edge) = eMap (e) }.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The private case followed a ruling by a federal appeals court in the long-running suit against Microsoft, brought by the government in 1998; the judge ruled that the company had repeatedly violated antitrust laws by thwarting competition to preserve its monopoly in personal computer operating systems.

The New York Times

That lawsuit was a private California case joined in 1997 by Gray Davis, then lieutenant governor, and was one of about a dozen California lawsuits settled by tobacco producers in 1999, said Mr. Daynard, who is a member of the Castano Group.

The New York Times

This was a private antitrust case, going on at the same time as the government's antitrust case against IBM.

Forbes

Mr. Spiegel's lawyer, Stuart D. Meissner, said that before the financial crisis, he never saw a client with a private placement case, but that they are now commonplace.

The New York Times

Microsoft hobbled Sun Microsystems the way Tonya Harding's supporters kneecapped a rival figure skater before the 1994 Olympics, a judge overseeing a private antitrust case against Microsoft said today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a private case" when the confidentiality of the case is a key aspect of the situation you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "a private case" when referring to situations that are simply personal preferences or choices, as this phrase typically implies a level of confidentiality or legal involvement that may not be present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a private case" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific situation or matter characterized by its confidential or non-public nature, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a private case" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation that is confidential or not intended for public knowledge. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, appearing as "Uncommon" with only a few examples, it appears consistently across news, scientific, and wiki-based sources. When using this phrase, clarity and context are crucial to ensure the intended meaning—whether legal, personal, or confidential—is accurately conveyed. Alternatives include "a confidential matter" and "a personal affair", providing writers with options to fine-tune their message. While generally neutral, the phrase leans towards a more professional register, making it suitable for formal discussions and reports.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a confidential matter

Emphasizes the secrecy and discretion associated with the case.

a personal affair

Highlights the personal and often sensitive nature of the situation.

a sensitive issue

Suggests the matter requires careful handling and consideration.

a closed case

Indicates the case has been resolved or is no longer open for discussion.

a non-public proceeding

Focuses on the lack of public access or transparency.

an internal investigation

Refers to a case handled within an organization or institution.

a discreet inquiry

Implies a cautious and subtle investigation.

a privileged communication

Highlights the confidential nature of information shared in the case.

a secret undertaking

Suggests the case involves clandestine or hidden activities.

a restricted file

Indicates that access to information about the case is limited.

FAQs

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

You can use "a private case" to refer to situations where confidentiality is important. For example, "The details of the settlement were kept as "a confidential matter", making it "a private case"".

What's the difference between "a private case" and "a public case"?

"A private case" involves matters that are not publicly disclosed, often due to privacy concerns or legal restrictions. In contrast, "a public case" is open to public scrutiny and is often part of the official record.

What can I say instead of "a private case"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a confidential matter", "a personal affair", or "a sensitive issue". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a private case" the same as "a civil case"?

No, while a civil case might be handled privately to some extent (e.g. with settlements before a public trial), the term "a civil case" refers specifically to a legal dispute between individuals or entities, not necessarily implying total secrecy.