building a case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "building a case" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal, argumentative, or analytical contexts to describe the process of gathering evidence or reasoning to support a particular position or conclusion. Example: "The lawyer spent months building a case to prove her client's innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It turned out they were building a case".

The New York Times

Federal officials say they are hindered in building a case by weaknesses in the mining law.

The New York Times

He has been cooperating with federal prosecutors in building a case against Ms. Jiau.

The New York Times

Either the police were incompetent or they were building a case.

The New York Times

Prosecutors began by building a case against Enron's accountants, Arthur Andersen.

The New Yorker

For years, federal agents have been building a case against the fund.

The New York Times

In building a case against Mr. Cicero, Mr. Rodríguezmacedo's report included several false statements.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the government was unsuccessful in building a case around the trading in Arris.

The New York Times

Prosecutors have since spent millions building a case that led to 35 indictments.

The Guardian

America, it seems, is building a case for another tour of the region.

The Guardian

Prosecutors have made no secret that they are also building a case against him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be sure to distinguish building a case for 'proving' something versus building a case for 'exploring' something. The nuance in purpose dictates the structure and tone.

Common error

Avoid constructing a case solely on circumstantial evidence without direct proof. While circumstantial evidence can contribute, it should be reinforced by concrete facts to avoid misinterpretations and logical fallacies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "building a case" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of constructing an argument or preparing a legal case by gathering and organizing evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "building a case" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the process of developing a persuasive argument, often in legal or analytical contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its versatile applicability across various registers. While the phrase enjoys widespread acceptance, it's essential to ensure the case is built upon credible sources and avoids over-reliance on circumstantial evidence. Alternatives like "constructing an argument" or "gathering evidence" can be used depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

putting together a case

Emphasizes the action of assembling various elements to support a claim.

constructing an argument

Focuses on the logical development of reasoning rather than gathering evidence.

presenting a case

Highlights the act of showing or offering something for consideration.

preparing a defense

Specifically relates to legal contexts and the act of getting ready for legal action.

gathering evidence

Highlights the collection of facts and information, omitting the structuring aspect.

developing a rationale

Emphasizes creating a logical basis for a decision or action.

formulating a position

Focuses on creating a specific stance or opinion.

assembling data

Refers to collecting information without necessarily implying a specific aim.

laying the groundwork

Suggests preliminary actions aimed at achieving a later goal.

making a claim

Highlights the assertion of a fact or belief, often requiring support.

FAQs

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

You can use "building a case" to describe the process of gathering evidence and constructing an argument. For instance: "The prosecutor spent months building a case against the defendant."

What are some alternatives to "building a case"?

Alternatives include "constructing an argument", "preparing a defense", or "gathering evidence" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "building a case" or "making a case"?

Both "building a case" and "making a case" are acceptable, but "building a case" often implies a more detailed and methodical process of gathering evidence. "Making a case" can be more general and less focused on detailed preparation.

What is the difference between "building a case" and "presenting a case"?

"Building a case" refers to the preparatory work of gathering and organizing evidence, while "presenting a case" refers to the act of showing or offering the assembled evidence for consideration or judgment. Building comes before presenting.