a special case for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special case for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific instance or situation that is treated differently from the general rule or norm. Example: "In mathematics, there is a special case for when the variables are equal, which simplifies the equation significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Richard Koo carves out a special case for the "balance-sheet recession".

The Economist

Resources are a special case for protection because they are finite and owned by the collective.

The Guardian - Opinion

I believe the Europeans are making a mistake setting up a special case for the Internet.

The New York Times

Augustine becomes a special case for Charcot, which means that she participates in his public demonstrations of therapeutic technique.

The New York Times

But Latvia is a special case for many reasons, including its desire to become much closer with the euro zone, which it aspires to join.

The New York Times

It is a small mercy, but the killing in Ituri is less systematic.Panicked into action, Mr Annan is presenting Ituri's war as a special case for intervention.

The Economist

Those who argue a special case for London often point out that the attitudes of Londoners to diversity are more liberal.

The New York Times

Why can the village make a special case for S.U.V.'s? "My registration says my Mountaineer is a passenger vehicle," Mr. Luce said.

The New York Times

The Master is amused by Quell, gets a taste for his hooch, and decides to make of him a special case for his treatment.

The Guardian - Film

But while environmental groups argue that special interests are trumping the public good, and that the state is underestimating the long-term economic value of undisturbed land, some state and federal officials say a special case for Colorado makes sense.

The New York Times

The history of the French regional communities is not a special case, for political, administrative, economic, and technical forces have led many other national governments to replace traditional territorial divisions with new regional units.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a special case for", ensure the context clearly explains why the situation warrants different treatment. Providing justification enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid labeling too many situations as "a special case for". Overuse diminishes its impact and can suggest inconsistency or favoritism. Reserve it for truly exceptional circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special case for" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to introduce the reason or justification for treating something or someone differently. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a special case for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate that something warrants unique consideration or treatment. Predominantly found in science and news media contexts, its usage suggests a neutral register suitable for diverse communications. When employing this phrase, clarity and justification are key to avoid overuse and maintain credibility. For alternatives, consider "a specific instance of" or "an exception to the rule for" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exception to the rule for

Directly indicates a deviation from a standard rule or procedure.

a one-off exception for

Stresses that the exception is isolated and not part of a pattern.

a specific instance of

Focuses on a particular occurrence rather than a general exception.

a unique situation for

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the circumstances.

a particular example of

Highlights a specific instance used to illustrate a broader concept.

a singular circumstance for

Similar to "unique situation" but with a slightly more formal tone.

a tailored approach for

Suggests a customized method designed for a specific need.

a discrete scenario for

Emphasizes the distinct and separate nature of the situation.

an individualized plan for

Highlights the personalized nature of the solution or strategy.

a customized solution for

Indicates that the solution is designed to meet a specific need.

FAQs

How do I use "a special case for" in a sentence?

Use "a special case for" to indicate that a particular situation or person requires different treatment or consideration. For example: "We are making "a special case for" students with disabilities".

What are some alternatives to saying "a special case for"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific instance of", "an exception to the rule for", or "a unique situation for" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a special case for"?

It's appropriate when a particular situation deviates significantly from the norm and requires unique handling due to specific, justifiable reasons.

What's the difference between ""a special case for"" and "a unique situation"?

"A special case for" implies that the situation warrants a specific exception or tailored approach, while "a unique situation" simply acknowledges that the circumstances are unusual or distinct.