as a special case

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a special case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to point out a particular situation that is different from the norm. For example, "We normally do not offer refunds but, as a special case, we will provide a credit for your purchase."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

East Timor was correctly seen as a special case.

The Economist

The beta includes the uniform as a special case.

Cornell University

Sixth-form colleges see themselves as a special case.

The Guardian

The Irish government treated the killing as a special case.

The New York Times

However, she does regard Islam as a special case.

The Guardian - Opinion

HIV is still seen as "a special case".

The Guardian

Linear quadratic optimal control is contained as a special case.

Automatica

An axisymmetric drop is considered as a special case.

Journal of Computational Physics

Curvilinear grids are considered as a special case.

Journal of Computational Physics

As a special case recently developed SISO algorithms are recovered.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

The exponential distribution is also addressed as a special case.

Structural Safety

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a special case" to clearly indicate a deviation from a standard rule or procedure, ensuring the context makes the reason for the exception evident.

Common error

Avoid using "as a special case" too frequently, as it can undermine the consistency and fairness of rules or processes. Reserve it for truly exceptional circumstances to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a special case" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a specific circumstance that deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. Examples show it introducing exceptions across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

27%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a special case" is a prevalent phrase, especially in scientific, news, and academic contexts, used to denote exceptions to general rules. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain the integrity and fairness of rules or processes. Alternatives such as "in exceptional circumstances" or "on a case-by-case basis" may sometimes be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an exception to the rule

This alternative directly states that the situation is a deviation from the established norm.

on a case-by-case basis

This highlights that each situation is evaluated individually to determine if it qualifies as an exception.

in exceptional circumstances

This alternative highlights that the situation is unusual and warrants a deviation from standard procedures.

under specific conditions

This alternative emphasizes that certain requirements must be met for the exception to apply.

for particular instances

This phrase focuses on individual occurrences where the standard rule does not apply.

in select situations

This alternative suggests that the circumstances are carefully chosen or limited.

in certain scenarios

Emphasizes that the rule only changes based on the scenario presented.

where applicable

This phrase is used when a condition or rule applies only in certain situations.

for limited purposes

Indicates that the exception is only valid within a restricted scope or objective.

only when necessary

Implies that the exceptional treatment is reserved for situations where it is absolutely required.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "as a special case" in writing?

Use "as a special case" when you need to indicate that a particular situation is an exception to a general rule, standard procedure, or common practice. It's important to clearly explain why the situation warrants special consideration.

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

Alternatives include "in exceptional circumstances", "under specific conditions", or "as an exception to the rule". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does "as a special case" differ from "in general"?

"As a special case" indicates a specific exception, while "in general" refers to a common or widespread condition. They are opposites; one highlights a deviation, and the other highlights a norm.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "as a special case"?

Yes, it is inappropriate when there is no valid reason for treating a situation differently, or when using it repeatedly undermines fairness and consistency. Overuse can erode trust and create perceptions of bias.