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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
but for case
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "but for case" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It seems to be an incomplete expression and lacks context to determine its intended use. Example: "But for case, we would have proceeded differently."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
10 human-written examples
Fig. 4 Same as Fig. 3, but for Case 2. Figure 4e, f shows the locking and viscoelastic effects.
Science
Fig. 14 a c Similar to Fig. 11 but for case B. "L" represents the center of the cyclone.
Fig. 13 a, b Similar to Fig. 10 but for case B. Figure 14 compares divU and ΔEPT and case B's lightning frequency distribution.
Fig. 16 a, b Similar to Fig. 10 but for case C Fig. 17 Atmospheric conditions on 11 November 9 LT, 2006.
Fig. 19 a, b Similar to Fig. 15 but for case C. Typical events of types A C were selected (cases A, B, and C).
Fig. 18 a c Similar to Fig. 11 but for case C. Figure 19 compares H10 and case C's lightning frequency distribution.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
In the but-for case, inflation probably would not have fallen as much, and the Fed might have waited longer to intervene or have intervened more gently or not at all.
News & Media
"They realized it was important not only for this case, but for cases around the country".
News & Media
But for cases in which Congress has not acted, local sanctions remain intact.
News & Media
But for cases that involve national or international businesses, there is a lot to be said for having a specialized bench of judges.
News & Media
But for cases in which that data was available, Tell MAMA found that most victims were female, Asian and age 26 to 35.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider replacing "but for case" with clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "except for the case" or "if it weren't for this situation" to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "but for case" when you intend to express a direct causal relationship. Instead, opt for phrases like "due to" or "because of" to establish a clearer connection between events.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "but for case" is typically used to introduce an exception or condition. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrasing is often grammatically questionable. Examples suggest attempts to convey causality or contrast, but the expression remains unconventional.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
40%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "but for case" is used to express an exception or condition. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is often considered grammatically incorrect and can lead to ambiguity. It appears in various contexts, including science and news media, yet it's generally advisable to replace it with clearer alternatives such as "except for the case", "if it weren't for this situation", or "aside from the case". These options offer improved clarity and grammatical correctness. While the intention is often to convey causality or contrast, the unconventional phrasing of "but for case" can undermine effective communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
except for the case
Replaces "but" with "except", clarifying that an exception is being made.
were it not for the case
Emphasizes a hypothetical scenario where the case does not exist, altering the outcome.
if it weren't for the case
Similar to "were it not for", but uses a more common conditional structure.
had it not been for the case
Focuses on a past situation where the case prevented something from happening.
without the case
Implies that the absence of the case would lead to a different result.
aside from the case
Highlights the case as something separate from the main topic.
apart from the case
Similar to "aside from", indicating an element that is not being considered.
excluding the case
Explicitly omits the case from consideration.
save for the case
Indicates that everything is true or correct, except for the mentioned case.
but for this situation
Replaces "case" with "situation", providing a more general term for the condition or event.
FAQs
What does "but for case" mean?
The phrase "but for case" is often grammatically incorrect and unclear. It generally attempts to express an exception or condition. Consider using alternatives like "except for the case" or /s/if+it+weren't+for+the+case to improve clarity.
How can I use "but for case" correctly in a sentence?
While not recommended due to its awkwardness, if you must use it, ensure the context implies an exception. However, phrases like "except for this instance" or /s/aside+from+the+case are generally more understandable.
What are some alternatives to "but for case"?
Better alternatives include "except for the case", "if it weren't for this situation", or /s/aside+from+the+case. These options provide clearer and more grammatically sound ways to express exceptions or conditions.
Is "but for case" grammatically correct?
Generally, "but for case" is considered grammatically incorrect or at least awkward. It's better to use more standard phrases to convey your intended meaning. Using alternatives such as /s/except+for+the+case greatly improves the readability and understandability of a text.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested