a textbook case of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a textbook case of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that perfectly exemplifies a particular concept or phenomenon. Example: "The sudden market crash was a textbook case of how panic can drive investors to make irrational decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's a textbook case of how not to manage conflict".

The New York Times

Denmark's sluggish response was a textbook case of muddled policy.

The Economist

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

It was a textbook case of better-dealing.

The New York Times - Style

Bihar is a textbook case of how leadership determines development.

The New York Times

Like any classic cartoon character, Mike is a textbook case of manic depression.

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

What happened to Sarah Longstreet was a textbook case of the S.U.V.'s danger to cars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a textbook case of" to highlight situations that clearly demonstrate a particular principle, theory, or phenomenon. It adds emphasis and clarity to your explanation.

Common error

While "a textbook case of" is generally acceptable, overuse in casual conversation can sound pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "a good example of" or "typical" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a textbook case of" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, serving as an appositive or descriptor. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, functioning to categorize a situation as a clear, typical example.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a textbook case of" is a phrase used to describe something that serves as a perfect, clear example of a particular concept, situation, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, but also in scientific and formal business contexts. It's best used to emphasize that a specific instance is highly illustrative and representative. While versatile, avoid overuse in casual conversations to maintain a natural tone. Remember that while "a textbook case of" is typically used, it can be substituted with phrases like ""a classic example of"" or "a prime illustration of" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a classic example of

Replaces "textbook" with "classic", implying a well-known and typical instance.

a prime illustration of

Substitutes "textbook case" with "prime illustration", emphasizing the clarity and representativeness of the example.

a perfect instance of

Replaces "textbook case" with "perfect instance", highlighting the ideal or flawless nature of the example.

a clear demonstration of

Substitutes "textbook case" with "clear demonstration", focusing on the evident and illustrative quality of the example.

a typical representation of

Replaces "textbook case" with "typical representation", suggesting that the example is characteristic and common.

a standard model of

Substitutes "textbook case" with "standard model", implying that the example sets a benchmark or norm.

an exemplary case of

Replaces "textbook" with "exemplary", highlighting that it is worthy of imitation.

a noteworthy example of

Replaces "textbook" with "noteworthy", highlighting that the instance is important.

an instructive instance of

Substitutes "textbook case" with "instructive instance", emphasizing the learning potential of the example.

a revealing illustration of

Replaces "textbook" with "revealing", highlighting that the case reveals something important.

FAQs

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

Use "a textbook case of" to describe something that perfectly illustrates a particular principle or situation. For example, "The company's failure to innovate is "a textbook case of" market stagnation".

What's a simpler way to say "a textbook case of"?

Alternatives include "a prime example of", "a classic example of", or simply "a good example of depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to use "a textbook case of" in academic writing?

Yes, "a textbook case of" is suitable for academic writing when you want to emphasize that something serves as a clear and representative example of a concept or theory.

What are some common collocations with "a textbook case of"?

Common collocations include "a textbook case of failure", "a textbook case of success", and "a textbook case of corruption", each highlighting a situation that perfectly embodies the named concept.