a specific case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific case" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular instance or instance of something. For example, "We will review a specific case to determine the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

DH: Develop a specific case for support.

The Guardian

How? Let's take a specific case.

Harvard Business Review

Ruling in a specific case or on a specific request.

The Washington Post

He's not being asked about a specific case.

The Washington Post

Impact litigation generates benefits beyond a specific case.

The New York Times

To solicit an opinion, though, he needed a specific case.

The New York Times

"You have to look at the specific evidence in a specific case, what's provable," he said.

The New York Times

Until recently, law enforcement generally processed rape kits to solve a specific case.

The Guardian

She says she has introduced this amendment in response to a specific case.

The Guardian

But let's focus on a specific case, the extraordinary pay packages of today's top executives.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Europe is not a universal exemplar: it is a specific case and a particular experience.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific case", ensure that you provide enough context for the reader to understand the details and relevance of the example. Avoid vague or overly general references.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific case" without providing concrete details or evidence. Instead of saying, 'In a specific case, this happened,' offer the actual case study or example to support your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific case" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement, direct object, or object of a preposition. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across various sentence structures to introduce concrete instances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific case" is a versatile phrase used to introduce concrete examples or instances. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It functions as a noun phrase serving different grammatical roles and is commonly used in science, news, media, and formal business settings. Remember to provide sufficient context when using this phrase to ensure clarity and relevance. Consider alternatives like "a particular instance" or "a concrete example" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a case in point

Introduces an example that strongly supports a claim or argument.

a particular instance

Emphasizes the distinct and individual nature of the occurrence.

a representative case

Indicates that the instance is typical and indicative of a larger trend.

a concrete example

Highlights the tangible and real nature of the illustration.

a relevant example

Stresses the pertinence and applicability of the instance.

a unique circumstance

Focuses on the distinctive and uncommon aspects of the situation.

a given scenario

Focuses on a hypothetical or assumed situation.

a detailed illustration

Implies a thorough and comprehensive depiction of the situation.

a singular event

Emphasizes the unique and non-repeatable nature of the occurrence.

a one-off situation

Highlights that the instance is isolated and unlikely to recur.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific case" to introduce an example or instance that illustrates a point. For example, "Let's consider "a specific case" where the policy was successfully implemented."

What are some alternatives to "a specific case"?

Some alternatives to "a specific case" include "a particular instance", "a concrete example", or "a case in point".

When should I use "a specific case" versus "a general example"?

"A specific case" is used to refer to a particular, well-defined situation, while "a general example" refers to a more broad or hypothetical illustration. Use "a specific case" when you want to highlight the details of an actual occurrence.

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

"A specific case" refers to a particular instance, while "a special case" refers to an instance that deviates from the norm or requires unique consideration. For example, "a special case" might involve unusual circumstances not covered by standard procedures, whereas "a specific case" is simply one example among many.