as a simple case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a simple case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce an example or scenario that illustrates a point in a straightforward manner. Example: "To clarify the concept, let's consider it as a simple case of supply and demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Describing it as a simple case of "food infection," Dr. Ravi said none of the patients were in critical condition.

The New York Times

Instead, he quoted the company's filings in civil litigation relating to the Trump SoHo, which described complaints as "a simple case of buyers' remorse".

The New Yorker

The spread of sex-selective abortion is often framed as a simple case of modern science being abused by patriarchal, misogynistic cultures.

The New York Times

The story of Robert Chambers has been accepted over the years less as a crisis of unfortunate circumstances and the excesses of privilege, as it was initially perceived, and more as a simple case of a bad seed.

The New York Times

What begins as A Simple Case – the title of the issue – becomes a meditation on the meaning of a rich, white vigilante who attempts to solve intractable urban problems by beating up bad guys.

The Guardian - Books

Forget the jargon and esoteric nature of rigging, he urged the jurors in his opening statement; think of it as a simple case of cheating, like fixing a horse race and betting on the outcome.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

As already mentioned, in a simple case like this, the normalized abundance ratios can be calculated by subtracting the mean of the population of peptide ratios from the abundance ratio of each peptide.

Amino Acids

So it is tempting to dismiss David Blunkett's musings about anti-terrorism trials as political kite-flying, or a simple case of heat exhaustion.

The Economist

Some of those consequences may be terribly damaging, especially to those in the economy least able to bear them.It's a simple case, as I've said, one that stands on economists' influence over others.

The Economist

Perhaps it is the enormity of that impact that makes it difficult for economists to wrap their minds around their ethical obligations... It's a simple case, as I've said, one that stands on economists' influence over others.

The Economist

Her behaviour had nothing to do with getting the word out; it wasn't about preventing harm to others, but rather a simple case of – as I said two weeks ago – "look at me looking at this".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a simple case", ensure that the example truly simplifies the concept you are explaining. Avoid using overly complex examples that contradict the purpose of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid presenting intricate scenarios after introducing an idea with "as a simple case". Ensure the follow-up example remains easy to understand; otherwise, adjust your introductory phrase to reflect the complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a simple case" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce an elementary illustration or example. According to Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound way to present an uncomplicated situation that clarifies a broader point.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a simple case" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase widely used to introduce an uncomplicated example to clarify a complex concept. It's considered appropriate for formal, neutral and informative contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related content according to Ludwig. Alternatives include as an easy example or "as a basic illustration". When employing this phrase, ensure that the following example truly simplifies the topic to maintain clarity and avoid confusing the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an easy example

Changes the adjective to describe the example.

as a basic illustration

Replaces "simple" with "basic" and "case" with "illustration".

as a straightforward instance

Substitutes "simple" with "straightforward" and "case" with "instance".

for the sake of simplicity

Expresses the reason for using a simplified approach.

as a clear example

Replaces "simple" with "clear" to emphasize understandability.

as a typical example

Indicates a representative situation.

as an introductory example

Highlights the example's purpose in introducing a concept.

in a simplified scenario

Focuses on the scenario itself being simplified.

as a rudimentary example

Uses "rudimentary" instead of "simple" to indicate basic nature.

as a demonstrative example

Emphasizes the example's ability to demonstrate a principle.

FAQs

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

Use "as a simple case" to introduce a basic example or scenario that helps to explain a more complex concept. For instance, "As a simple case, consider a scenario with only two variables to understand the basic principle."

What's the difference between "as a simple case" and "as a basic example"?

Both phrases introduce examples, but "as a simple case" might imply a focus on the situation itself being uncomplicated, while "as a basic example" emphasizes that the example is fundamental or foundational.

What are some alternatives to using "as a simple case"?

You can use alternatives like "for the sake of simplicity", "as an easy example", or "as a straightforward instance" to introduce a simplified scenario or example.

Is it always necessary to follow "as a simple case" with a truly simple example?

Yes, it is crucial. The phrase sets an expectation of ease and clarity. If the subsequent example is complicated, it can confuse the reader and undermine the intended purpose. If the example is too complicated, try rephrasing by saying "in a more complex scenario".