a small case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor or less significant situation, or to describe a physical case that is small in size. Example: "The lawyer presented a small case that required minimal evidence to support the claim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"This is a small case.

The Guardian

She has a small case packed.

The Guardian

"I have a small case of ADD".

The Guardian - Music

That single tomato is a small case in point.

The New York Times

A small case study will also be presented and discussed.

International Journal of Information Management

On Wizz, a small case as hand baggage still incurs a charge.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

A small case-control study found a fivefold increased cancer risk associated with high-dose glargine (10).

Diabetes Care

In a small case-control study, higher Mediterranean diet score was significantly associated with lower risk of PD [ 203 ].

BioMed Research International

They investigated 361 identified variants in a small case-control collection (262 cases, 214 controls) of Spanish origin.

Gastroenterology

Similar results were found in a small case-control study of 40 pediatric patients following CPB [ 61].

BioMed Research International

Similarly, a small case-control study reported higher risk among younger people who had a FH [ 16].

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing legal matters, use "a small case" to indicate the relative unimportance or simplicity of the legal issue. For instance: "The judge dismissed it as a small case."

Common error

Avoid using "a small case" when you actually mean that the issue is complex, even if it appears minor on the surface. Misrepresenting complexity can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small case" functions primarily as a noun phrase that includes an adjective ("small") modifying the noun ("case"). It describes something that is minor, insignificant, or of limited size. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small case" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something of minor significance or limited size. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts. Related phrases include "a minor instance" and "a trivial matter". When using "a small case", avoid overstating the insignificance if the underlying issue is actually complex. The register is generally neutral, making it suitable for diverse writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor instance

Emphasizes the insignificance or unimportance of the particular event or example.

a slight situation

Highlights the limited impact or consequence of the circumstances.

a trivial matter

Stresses the lack of seriousness or concern warranted by the issue.

a negligible example

Points out the near absence of weight or influence of the illustration.

a limited situation

Underscores the restricted scope or extent of the scenario.

a concise case

Focuses on the brevity and succinctness of the described legal or logical case.

a reduced case

Highlights the diminished scope or scale of the situation being referenced.

a scaled-down case

Emphasizes the smaller proportions compared to typical or expected instances.

a miniature case

Draws attention to the extremely small size or scale of the container or example.

a compact case

Focuses on the neatness and space-saving properties of a container or argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small case" to refer to a minor legal issue, a small item, or a minor instance of something. For example, "The lawyer considered it "a small case" with little chance of success."

What are some alternatives to "a small case"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a minor case", "a trivial matter", or "a compact case".

Which is correct: "a small case" or "a little case"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a small case" is more commonly used in formal contexts, while "a little case" might sound more informal or diminutive.

What's the difference between "a small case" and "a weak case"?

"A small case" refers to the size or significance of something, while "a weak case" refers to the lack of strength or evidence in a legal argument or situation.