as a case of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a case of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce an example or instance that illustrates a particular situation or concept. Example: "This incident can be understood as a case of miscommunication between the departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

West sees this as a case of Hollywood protecting itself.

The Guardian - Film

He cites this as a case of "moral ambiguity".

The New York Times

She sees Hoboken as a case of gentrification run amok.

The New York Times - Style

Tests confirmed it as a case of polio.

The New Yorker

It began as a case of political hacktivism.

The New York Times

He points to the poll tax as a case of where things went wrong.

The Guardian

"Some people have referred to this as a case of earnings management.

The New York Times

But to dismiss this as a case of a lone "madman" would be a mistake.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The new parties reconstructed the society as a case of victor and vanquished.

The Guardian

Wang described it as a case of "love before first sight".

The New Yorker

"We didn't see this as a case of home invasion at all," Captain Rhodes said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a case of" when you want to present a specific instance as representative of a broader phenomenon or category. For clarity, ensure the connection between the instance and the broader category is explicit.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "as a case of" can sound stilted in casual contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "like" or "such as" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a case of" functions as a linking phrase or a prepositional phrase, introducing an example or instance that illustrates a particular situation, concept, or category. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a case of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for introducing examples or instances that clarify a concept, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a linking phrase, offering clarity and grounding abstract ideas. While suitable across diverse contexts like news, science, and even business, writers should consider its formality and opt for simpler alternatives in casual scenarios. Remember to explicitly connect the instance with the broader concept for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an instance of

Focuses on the particular occurrence rather than the general category.

as an example of

Highlights the illustrative nature of the instance.

by way of illustration

More formal and emphasizes the act of providing an example.

serving as an illustration of

Emphasizes the role of the example in clarifying something.

considered to be

Indicates a subjective assessment or classification.

regarded as

Similar to "considered to be" but implies a more widespread opinion.

in the category of

Focuses on the classification or grouping of something.

falling under the umbrella of

Suggests a broader categorization.

typified by

Highlights the representative nature of the example.

exemplified by

Similar to "typified by" but suggests a higher standard or quality.

FAQs

What does "as a case of" mean?

The phrase "as a case of" introduces an example or instance that demonstrates a particular situation, concept, or category. It's used to show how something fits into a broader pattern or classification.

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

You can use "as a case of" to present something as an example. For example, "This incident can be seen "as a case of" miscommunication." Ensure the connection between the example and what it represents is clear.

What are some alternatives to "as a case of"?

Alternatives include "as an example of", "as an instance of", or considered to be depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it always appropriate to use "as a case of" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "as a case of" can sometimes sound formal or stilted. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In more informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be more suitable.