as was the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as was the case' is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you can use it to compare a current situation to something in the past. For example, "Back in the early 2000s, online shopping was not as popular as it is today, as was the case in most societies around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

As was the case Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

As was the case in Japan.

The New York Times - Sports

As was the case in Libya, its agenda remains unclear.

The Guardian

As was the case uptown, deaccessioned books were plentiful.

The New Yorker

As was the case then, the Lions responded.

The Guardian - Sport

As was the case in Iraq, they will never really leave.

Princeton University

The JNK responses were also reversible, not sustained, as was the case in oocytes.

Stanford University

As was the case downriver, the fish were showing but not biting.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

And just as is the case with Russia, they do.

The Washington Post

Or, as is the case with Tara, identities.

The New York Times - Arts

But as is the case everywhere, fans love winners.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as was the case", ensure that the previous situation you are referencing is clear to your audience to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "as was the case" if the context or previous situation you're referring to is vague or not explicitly stated. This can lead to confusion and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as was the case" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by providing a comparison to a prior situation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

23%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as was the case" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative phrase, primarily used to draw parallels between past and present situations. As indicated by Ludwig, it's widely accepted and applicable across numerous contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, the phrase maintains a neutral register making it suitable for formal and informal writing alike. To maximize clarity, always ensure that the referenced previous case is well-defined. Consider alternatives like "as happened previously" or "similar to what occurred" to vary your writing. With a high expert rating and frequent usage, mastering "as was the case" enhances writing with contextual depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as happened previously

This alternative uses "happened" for a more direct reference to a past event.

as previously occurred

Replaces "was the case" with "occurred" to emphasize the event's occurrence.

similar to what occurred

This version uses a more explicit comparison using "similar to".

just like before

This is a more informal way to express the same idea.

in the same vein

This phrase highlights that something is being done in a similar style or manner.

akin to what transpired

A more formal way of saying something similar occurred, using "akin" and "transpired".

paralleling the previous event

This emphasizes the parallel nature of the current situation to a past one.

following the pattern

This indicates that something is happening according to an established pattern.

mirrored in this instance

This suggests that the current situation is a direct reflection of a previous one.

reminiscent of earlier times

Implies that the current situation evokes memories or similarities to a time in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "as was the case" in a sentence?

Use "as was the case" to draw a comparison between a current situation and a previous one. For example, "The company faced similar challenges this year, "as was the case" in 2020".

What are some alternatives to "as was the case"?

Some alternatives include "as happened previously", "similar to what occurred", or "just like before depending on the context.

Is "as was the case" formal or informal?

"As was the case" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for both professional and academic writing.

What's the difference between "as was the case" and "as is the case"?

"As was the case" refers to a past situation, while "as is the case" refers to a current or general situation.