a textbook case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a textbook case" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that perfectly exemplifies a particular principle or phenomenon, often used in academic or analytical contexts. Example: "The incident was a textbook case of how not to handle customer complaints, illustrating the importance of effective communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I was a textbook case.

The New York Times

I'm a textbook case.

The Guardian

"It was a textbook case," he told me recently.

The New York Times

Grubman's accident is a textbook case of pedal error.

The New Yorker

It is a textbook case of Washington dysfunction.

The New York Times

Bihar is a textbook case of how leadership determines development.

The New York Times

It was a textbook case of better-dealing.

The New York Times - Style

Appendicitis remains a textbook case for using your diagnostic tools thoughtfully and wisely.

The New York Times

Is this a textbook case of bad faith combined with outrageous stupidity?

The New Yorker

But it is a textbook case of the old saying: "Them as has, gets".

The Economist

It is a textbook case of the beneficial effects of meeting the entry criteria.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a textbook case", ensure that the example is widely recognized and easily understood by your target audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a textbook case" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly academic or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a good example" or "a typical instance" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

"A textbook case" functions as a noun phrase that serves to categorize a specific instance as a quintessential or exemplary example of a broader phenomenon or concept. As Ludwig AI points out, it's typically used to describe situations that perfectly exemplify something. The examples show it's used to describe everything from medical conditions to political situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a textbook case" is a common expression used to describe a situation that perfectly exemplifies a particular principle or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While versatile, it is best suited for formal or analytical writing, and less appropriate for casual conversation. Alternatives like "a classic example" or "a prime illustration" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Always ensure that the example you are presenting is well-recognized and relevant to your audience to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A classic example

Focuses on the traditional and well-known aspect of the example.

A prime illustration

Emphasizes that the example is one of the best or most important.

A typical instance

Highlights the commonality and representativeness of the case.

A model example

Suggests the case is so good it could be used as a model for others.

A case in point

Directly introduces an example to support a previous statement.

A perfect demonstration

Highlights how well the example proves or shows something.

A clear cut instance

Stresses that the example is unambiguous and easy to understand.

An ideal scenario

Presents the situation as the best-case representation of something.

A representative sample

Indicates that the example is a good sample of a larger group or trend.

A standard situation

Highlights that the situation is nothing out of ordinary.

FAQs

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

Use "a textbook case" to describe a situation or example that perfectly illustrates a particular concept or principle. For instance, "The company's failure to adapt to new technologies is "a textbook case" of how not to run a business".

What are some alternatives to "a textbook case"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a classic example", "a prime illustration", or "a typical instance".

What does it mean when something is described as "a textbook case"?

When something is described as "a textbook case", it means that it is a perfect or clear example of a particular phenomenon, concept, or situation, often used in academic or analytical contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "a textbook case" in informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, using "a textbook case" in informal conversations might sound overly formal or academic. Simpler alternatives like "a good example" or "a perfect example" may be more suitable.