agent on the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "agent on the case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person, typically in a professional context, who is responsible for handling a specific situation or investigation. Example: "The detective assigned as the agent on the case has gathered crucial evidence that could lead to an arrest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"It was like having a good Fujianese F.B.I. agent on the case".

The New Yorker

Guilty!" above the men's photos — a gift from an F.B.I. agent on the case.

The New York Times

Marcus's sister (Ms. Union) is a federal agent on the case, which makes her good bait for the Cuban.

The New York Times

Whitehill and Valerie Venegas, the lead agent on the case, also interviewed former Sea Org members in California.

The New Yorker

In 1997, a new agent on the case requested a permit to eavesdrop electronically on the Lees.

The New York Times

An affidavit signed by Paul Harris, an F.B.I. agent on the case, said Donaghy began betting on N.B.A. games, including games he officiated, in 2003.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Reyes was one of the agents on the case.

Wikipedia

He spent hours poring over interview reports and meeting with agents on the case.

The New York Times

"We just got on the ground there," he said, adding that agents on the case arrived in the country in the last week.

The New York Times

Within days the FBI had deployed 150 agents on the case and Woodward had made his first contact with Felt, who confirmed that the burglary had political implications.

The Guardian

A year into the Hillary Clinton server probe, F.B.I. agents on the case concluded that they were unlikely to find evidence to prove criminal intent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "agent on the case" to clearly indicate the specific individual responsible for handling an investigation or matter. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but is especially common in news and media reporting about legal or investigative matters.

Common error

Avoid using "agent on the case" when referring to a team or group of people. This phrase is intended to identify a single, primary individual, not an entire investigative unit. If referencing a team, consider "agents working on the case" or "the investigative team" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agent on the case" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically modifying another noun or pronoun to identify the specific individual responsible for handling a particular matter or investigation. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "agent on the case" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the primary individual responsible for an investigation or legal matter. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts, but its neutral register allows for broader application. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a single individual's responsibility, and consider alternatives like "lead investigator" or "case officer" for formal settings. Remember to clarify the scope and context of the investigation to avoid ambiguity. Top authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker frequently employ this phrase, solidifying its acceptability and understandability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigator in charge

Emphasizes the investigator's responsibility and control over the case.

lead investigator

Focuses on the investigator's role as the primary person handling the case.

detective assigned to the case

Specifies the detective's role and their assignment to the particular case.

officer handling the investigation

Highlights the officer's role in managing and overseeing the investigation.

the detective in charge

Similar to "investigator in charge", but uses the specific title of detective.

the lead detective

Similar to "lead investigator", but with a more specific job title.

case officer

Short and direct alternative, emphasizing the officer's handling of the case.

primary agent

Highlights the agent's role as the main person working on the case.

point person for the case

Indicates the person who serves as the primary contact for the case.

assigned investigator

Focuses on the investigator's designation to the case.

FAQs

What does "agent on the case" mean?

The phrase "agent on the case" refers to the primary individual responsible for handling a specific investigation, legal matter, or task. It is frequently used in news and media contexts, especially when discussing law enforcement or legal proceedings.

How can I use "agent on the case" in a sentence?

You can use "agent on the case" to identify a specific person leading an investigation. For example, "The lead "investigator in charge" /s/investigator+in+charge stated that they are confident in the evidence gathered by the "agent on the case".

What's a more formal alternative to "agent on the case"?

More formal alternatives include "lead investigator", "case officer", or "primary agent". These terms are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Can I use "agents on the case" to refer to multiple people?

While "agent on the case" refers to an individual, you can use "agents on the case" if you need to refer to multiple people working on the same investigation. However, "agent on the case" emphasizes a specific individual's role.