case against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "case against" is a valid and commonly used part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a legal argument or evidence presented in a courtroom or legal proceeding. Example: The prosecutor presented a strong case against the defendant, including eyewitness testimony and forensic evidence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

case against China.

The New York Times

And the case against Pfc.

The New York Times

The case against Earthquakes.

The Guardian - Money

The case against Nothing.

The Guardian - Money

What's the case against?

The Guardian - Business

The case against Traffic.

The Guardian - Money

The Case Against Rushdie".

The New York Times

THE Bakers' case against Goldman is simple.

The New York Times

So what's the case against Mr. Obama?

The New York Times

The case against Bala remained weak.

The New Yorker

Macedonia has a case against Greece.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "case against" to present a structured argument highlighting flaws, risks, or negative consequences associated with the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "case against" when simply describing a situation without presenting a structured critique or argument. It's not appropriate for neutral descriptions; it implies a deliberate adversarial perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "case against" functions as a noun phrase acting as a prepositional complement. It typically introduces a set of arguments or evidence presented to oppose a particular viewpoint, action, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "case against" is a very common and grammatically sound construction used to introduce arguments or evidence opposing a particular subject. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's prevalent in news, academic, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. The phrase is best used when presenting a structured critique and should be avoided in purely descriptive scenarios. Consider alternatives like "argument against", "lawsuit against", or "charges against" to fine-tune your expression. Remember to support your "case against" with solid evidence and logical reasoning for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charges against

Emphasizes the specific accusations being made.

lawsuit against

Specifically refers to a legal claim brought against someone.

argument against

Focuses on the reasoning or points made in opposition.

prosecution of

Highlights the act of formally charging someone with a crime.

indictment of

Implies a formal accusation or severe criticism.

brief against

Refers to a written legal document outlining the reasons against something.

objections to

Indicates formal expressions of disapproval or opposition.

opposition to

General term for resistance or disagreement.

defense against

Focuses on the act of protecting or arguing against an accusation, differing to "case against" that means the arguments for guilt.

challenge to

Suggests a questioning or disputing of something's validity or legality.

FAQs

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

Use "case against" to introduce a set of arguments or evidence intended to show why something is unfavorable, incorrect, or should be avoided. For example, "The lawyer presented a strong "case against" the defendant".

What's a good alternative to "case against"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "argument against", "lawsuit against", or "charges against".

Is it correct to use "case against" in a formal context?

Yes, "case against" is suitable for formal contexts, especially in legal, academic, and professional settings where structured arguments are common. Its formality depends on the overall tone and vocabulary used in conjunction with it.

What's the difference between "case against" and "defense against"?

"Case against" presents arguments for why someone or something is wrong or liable, while "defense against" presents arguments or actions to protect against an attack or accusation. They represent opposing viewpoints in a dispute.