as a hypothetical case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a hypothetical case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation that is not real but is imagined for the purpose of argument or analysis. Example: "As a hypothetical case, consider what would happen if we implemented a four-day workweek."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When I hire people, I love to see practical work experience, even prior to an M.B.A., so people who have lived in the real world don't see the job as a hypothetical case study.

The New York Times

This example relies on speculation and is intended as a hypothetical case, for illustrative purposes only.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As an example of application, a hypothetical case of a typical subsoil in the state of Espirito Santo, southeast of Brazil, is evaluated.

Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

It became known in Washington as the Bunny Law, after a hypothetical case in which a man is turned down for a job as a bunny in a Playboy Club.

The New Yorker

In a hypothetical case, as depicted in Figure 2, a concentration of more than 100 milligrams per gram in a target tissue is required for chemical A to cause toxic injury.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Based on a hypothetical case study, we introduced its functionalities as well as the decision making workflow.

Safety Science

As an example, advocates pointed to a hypothetical case of a poor single mother with a disabled child.

The New York Times

As an example, Mr. Galligan offered a hypothetical case of a worker killed in an oil rig explosion.

The New York Times

Also, as we were asking people about a hypothetical case, it may be that their opinions would change should they face the same situation in reality.

BMJ Open

This, I think, is a substitution of an hypothetical case for the case with the court's the court.

Harvard University

Sadly, this isn't a hypothetical case.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a hypothetical case", ensure the hypothetical is relevant to the discussion and clearly illustrates the point you are making.

Common error

Avoid introducing hypothetical cases that are too far-fetched or unrelated to the topic at hand. Irrelevant hypotheticals can confuse your audience and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a hypothetical case" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a clause or sentence that presents a situation created to explore potential outcomes or illustrate a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a hypothetical case" serves to introduce a non-real situation for discussion or analysis. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and widely used. It's versatile and can be found in various contexts like news, science, and academia, with a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure the hypothetical scenario is relevant and clearly illustrates the point you wish to make. Alternatives such as "in a hypothetical scenario" or "for the sake of argument" can be used to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a hypothetical scenario

Focuses on the scenario itself being hypothetical, rather than framing it as a 'case'.

in a theoretical situation

Replaces 'hypothetical' with 'theoretical', emphasizing the abstract nature of the situation.

for the sake of argument

Highlights the argumentative purpose of presenting the hypothetical situation.

let's say, for example

Introduces a specific, imagined instance to illustrate a point.

suppose, for instance

Similar to 'let's say', but with a slightly more formal tone.

consider this scenario

Directly asks the audience to think about a particular hypothetical situation.

imagine a situation where

Emphasizes the imaginative aspect of the hypothetical situation.

if we assume that

Highlights the assumption being made as the basis for the hypothetical.

for illustrative purposes

Highlights the purpose of illustrating a concept through the hypothetical.

taking a purely theoretical approach

Emphasizes the theoretical framework of the discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a hypothetical case" to introduce a scenario that isn't real, but helps illustrate a point. For example, "As a hypothetical case, let's consider what would happen if the interest rates were to suddenly rise."

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

Some alternatives include "in a hypothetical scenario", "in a theoretical situation", or "for the sake of argument".

Is it better to use a real-world example or "as a hypothetical case"?

It depends on the context. A real-world example provides concrete evidence, while "as a hypothetical case" allows you to explore possibilities and simplify complex situations. Use the one that best supports your argument.

What's the difference between "as a hypothetical case" and "as a theoretical example"?

The phrases are very similar. "As a hypothetical case" often implies a more detailed, scenario-based example, while "as a theoretical example" might refer to a simpler, more abstract illustration.