by case only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by case only" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where something is applicable or valid only in specific instances or situations, but it is not a common expression. Example: "Access to the restricted area is granted by case only, depending on the circumstances."

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We also assessed the differences in ER between exercise groups by case-only logistic regression.

Plosone

Differences in the associations between ER-positive and ER-negative diseases were assessed by case-only analyses, using ER status as the dependent variable.

Human Genetics

Gene gene interaction analysis was performed by case-only interaction analysis in which a logistic regression model was used to test for an association of shared epitope (SE) positivity with NKAPL risk alleles (coded in an additive fashion as −1, 0 or 1 for no, 1 or 2 risk alleles, respectively).

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

Association between rs2736100 and tumour site (colon-ICD International Classification of Diseases 9th revision (ICD9 -153; rectal cancer: ICD9-154), Dukestagege (A+B; C+D), grade (poorly; moderate/well differentiated), sex, age at diagnosis (⩽55, >55), family history of CRC in a first-degree relative and MSI status was evaluated by case-only analysis.

British Journal of Cancer

The mask had to be worn by the index case only.

Plosone

The white worm is so long that it fits into the vertical case only by being draped up and down seven times.

The New York Times

The Sous worked with Global Horizons before but are linked to the latest case only by the methods they admitted to using.

The New York Times

Scavengers can keep up in such a case only by feeding on smaller parts.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta Norman Mineta said in a statement that U.S. airports will be reopened and flights resumed on a case-by-case basis, only after they implement more stringent levels of security following Tuesday's terror attacks.

Forbes

The confidentiality and anonymity of the participants were protected and all data were identified by case numbers only.

BMC Health Services Research

The study underestimated the incidence of this disease in the Northwest, and perhaps other areas of the United States, by looking for cases only in selected urban emergency departments.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by case only", ensure the context clearly indicates that something applies exclusively to individual instances, as opposed to a general rule. Consider using more common alternatives like "on a case-by-case basis".

Common error

Avoid using "by case only" when describing policies or procedures that apply broadly. This phrase is best reserved for situations with specific, individualized exceptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by case only" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent to which a rule, decision, or action applies. It indicates that something is not universally applicable but rather determined on a case-by-case basis. Based on Ludwig AI, this phrase is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by case only" signifies that something applies selectively based on individual circumstances. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests it's not a standard English phrase and might cause confusion. Alternatives like "on a case-by-case basis" are often preferred for clarity and idiomatic correctness. The usage contexts span across Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business domains, indicating its broad applicability but with a relatively rare occurrence. When writing, ensure the context justifies this specificity and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a case-by-case basis

Emphasizes individual consideration for each instance.

in specific instances only

Highlights the limitation to particular situations.

only in certain cases

Focuses on the selectiveness of the application.

for particular cases alone

Stresses exclusivity to certain situations.

solely on a case-by-case evaluation

Highlights the evaluative process for each instance.

just for individual cases

Emphasizes the individual nature of the consideration.

contingent on the case

Indicates dependency on the specific circumstances.

dependent on the individual case

Highlights that each case is considered separately and independently.

limited to specific situations

Focuses on confining the application to particular contexts.

exclusively for certain cases

Stresses that something applies to only particular cases and no others.

FAQs

What does "by case only" mean?

The phrase "by case only" means that something is applicable or valid only in specific instances or situations, rather than as a general rule. It suggests individual consideration for each case.

What can I say instead of "by case only"?

You can use alternatives like "on a case-by-case basis", "in specific instances only", or "only in certain cases" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "by case only"?

It is appropriate to use "by case only" when you want to emphasize that a decision, rule, or action is being applied selectively to individual cases based on their specific circumstances.

Is "by case only" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "by case only" is not as common or idiomatic as "on a case-by-case basis". It's grammatically acceptable but may sound slightly awkward to some native English speakers.