a single case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific instance or example of something, often in discussions about research, legal matters, or specific situations. Example: "In a single case, the defendant was found not guilty due to lack of evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

FRANK: Not in a single case.

Yale University

There are none – not a single case".

The Guardian

Moving out of IRF: A single case analysis.

Columbia University

PatientsLikeMe started with a single case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is hard to think of a single case.

Harvard Business Review

The health alert suggested it was a single case.

The Guardian

"The significance is, it's not a single case.

The Guardian

They said they couldn't find a single case.

Independent

I personally haven't treated a single case of influenza".

The New York Times

Treat those as a single case, and we have 14 relevant examples.

University of California, Berkeley

(v) The physician is continuously involved in a single case involving a student nurse anesthetist.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single case", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are discussing a unique event, a case study, or an isolated instance to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions or making sweeping generalizations based solely on "a single case". Always consider the limitations of using individual examples to represent broader trends or populations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single case" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It designates one specific instance or example, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single case" functions as a noun phrase to denote one specific instance or example. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. The primary communicative purpose is to emphasize the individuality or isolation of an event. While the phrase maintains a neutral formality level, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization from singular cases. Alternatives such as "a unique case" or "an isolated incident" can provide nuanced meaning based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similar case

Focuses on the resemblance to another instance.

a unique case

Highlights the distinctiveness and exceptional nature of the situation.

a solitary instance

Emphasizes the isolated nature of the occurrence.

an individual example

Focuses on the specific and separate nature of the example.

an isolated incident

Highlights the separation of the event from others.

a one-off situation

Indicates that the event is not likely to be repeated.

a specific scenario

Highlights the detailed and particular nature of the situation.

a particular event

Focuses on a notable or specific occurrence.

a lone occurrence

Underscores the infrequency and isolation of the event.

an exceptional circumstance

Highlights the deviation from the norm and unusual conditions surrounding the event.

FAQs

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

"A single case" is used to refer to one instance or example of something. For example: "A single case of the disease was reported in the region."

What are some alternatives to "a single case"?

You can use alternatives such as "a unique case", "a solitary instance", or "an isolated incident" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a single case" and "a case study"?

"A single case" refers to one instance of something, while "a case study" is a detailed analysis of a specific instance, often used in research or academic contexts.

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

It is appropriate to use "a single case" in formal writing when you need to emphasize that you are discussing one particular instance and not generalizing or referring to multiple occurrences.