Used and loved by millions

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 quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

but for case

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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.

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.

Show more...

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

The Economist

"They realized it was important not only for this case, but for cases around the country".

News & Media

The New York Times

But for cases in which Congress has not acted, local sanctions remain intact.

News & Media

The Economist

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

The New York Times

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

HuffPost
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

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.

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.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: