build a case

USAGE SUMMARY

'build a case' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about constructing an argument or evidence that supports a particular opinion or point of view. For example: "The lawyer will need to build a case to convince the judge that her client is innocent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It cannot build a case.

The New Yorker

"We've got to build a case first".

The New York Times

That is poor ground on which to build a case for quitting the euro.

The Economist

Why not build a case and arrest him the next time he steps into Nobu?

The New York Times

But prosecutors say he helped build a case against his father.

The New York Times

By focusing on crime-scene minutiae, the police build a case against the victim's mistress.

The New York Times - Books

"You can use U.S. income and U.S. assets to build a case for financing a mortgage".

The New York Times

To build a case from this that it had diddled any clients would be difficult.

The Economist

Can the S.E.C. or the Justice Department use WikiLeaks as a source to build a case?

The New York Times

"The government, rather, was just starting to build a case against the defendant".

The New York Times - Sports

His performances allow him to build a case: 51 goals in 96 appearances, 30 last season.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "build a case" when you are constructing a coherent argument based on factual information, rather than when expressing a personal opinion.

Common error

Avoid using overly vague or abstract language when discussing how to "build a case". Provide concrete examples of evidence or reasoning to make your argument more compelling and understandable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build a case" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of constructing or developing an argument or a set of evidence. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used in contexts related to legal proceedings, scientific research, and general argumentation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build a case" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the process of constructing an argument or gathering evidence to support a particular point of view. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly usable in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but it's also found in scientific and formal business settings. When using "build a case", providing specific details and avoiding abstract language will make your writing more persuasive and credible. Alternative phrases like "construct an argument" or "develop a justification" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. In summary, "build a case" is a versatile and effective phrase for discussing the development of a well-supported argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

construct an argument

Focuses on the logical structuring of a set of reasons or evidence.

develop a justification

Emphasizes providing reasons to defend or legitimize a particular action or belief.

formulate a defense

Highlights the act of creating a strategy to protect against criticism or legal action.

gather evidence

Stresses the collection of facts and information to support a claim.

assemble proof

Focuses on the process of putting together concrete evidence to establish the truth.

create a rationale

Highlights creating an explanation that underlies a decision or set of decisions.

establish grounds

Focuses on creating a foundation or basis for a belief or legal action.

shape a narrative

Highlights creating a story or account that supports a particular viewpoint.

piece together the facts

Emphasizes assembling fragmented information to understand a situation.

develop a line of reasoning

Focuses on the step-by-step construction of a logical argument.

FAQs

How can I use "build a case" in a sentence?

You can use "build a case" to describe the process of gathering and presenting evidence or arguments to support a particular viewpoint, as in, "The prosecutor worked diligently to "build a case" against the defendant."

What are some alternatives to "build a case"?

Alternatives to "build a case" include "construct an argument", "develop a justification", or "formulate a defense", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to "build a case" in a legal context?

In a legal context, to "build a case" means to gather and present evidence and legal arguments to prove a point or charge in court.

Is it better to say "build a case" or "make a case"?

Both "build a case" and "make a case" are acceptable, but "build a case" often implies a more structured and evidentiary approach, whereas "make a case" can sometimes refer to a more general persuasive effort.