case

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun meaning a particular instance of a situation, or as a verb meaning to look at or consider a particular circumstance or situation. Example: We will need to consider the case before making a decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is not the case.

The New York Times

"That is just not the case".

The New York Times

The opposite is the case.

The Guardian

"But that is not the case".

The New York Times

Case closed.

The New York Times

The case has already been referred to the police ombudsman but, as the first minister has said, we should have a full, independent examination of the whole operation of this scheme.

The Guardian

That is no longer the case.

The New York Times

That's no longer the case.

The New York Times

You've told me that was the case.

The New York Times

This is by no means an isolated case.

The New York Times

This is not an isolated case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "case" to mean "in case of," ensure the meaning is clear and consider rephrasing for clarity if necessary. For example, "In case of fire, break glass" is better than "Case of fire, break glass".

Common error

A common error is using "case" instead of "in case". "Case" refers to a situation or instance, while "in case" introduces a condition or contingency. For example, it's correct to say "In case of rain, take an umbrella," not "Case of rain, take an umbrella".

Linguistic Context

The word "case" primarily functions as a noun, referring to an actual event, situation, or fact, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples. It can also function as a verb, meaning to survey a location, or as an adjective, referring to the last card of a particular rank.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "case" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to denote a specific situation, instance, or legal matter. According to Ludwig, it also has less common usages as a verb and adjective. Its high frequency across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, underscores its importance in both formal and informal communication. To avoid common errors, ensure to use "in case" (two words) to indicate contingency rather than the single word "incase". The semantically related alternatives are: "situation", "instance", "circumstance", "event", "occurrence", "matter", "affair", "state of affairs", "example", "condition". Therefore, understanding the nuances of "case" ensures precise and effective communication in a wide array of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

situation

Focuses more on the specific circumstances or state of affairs.

instance

Highlights a particular occurrence or example of something.

circumstance

Emphasizes the conditions or facts surrounding an event.

event

Refers to a specific happening or occurrence.

occurrence

Similar to "event" but can also refer to something that happens repeatedly.

matter

General term referring to a subject or issue under consideration.

affair

Often used to describe a situation that is of public interest or concern.

state of affairs

Describes the current condition or situation of something.

example

Focuses on a specific illustration or instance used to explain something.

condition

Highlights the particular state or circumstances of something.

FAQs

How can I use "case" in a sentence?

"Case" can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a legal "lawsuit", a specific "instance", or a container. For example, "The detective solved the case", "In this case, we need to act quickly", or "He packed his clothes in a case".

What's the difference between "case" and "situation"?

"Case" often refers to a specific instance or example, sometimes with legal or formal connotations. "Situation" is a broader term describing a general set of circumstances. You might use "situation" when describing something less defined or formal.

What can I say instead of "in that case"?

Alternatives for "in that case" include "if so", "if that is so", "under those circumstances", or "given that situation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "in case" or "incase"?

"In case" (two words) is the correct phrase to use when indicating a contingency or precaution. "Incase" (one word) is not a standard English word. For example, "Take an umbrella in case it rains" is correct.