case in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "case in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to introduce an example of a particular situation, especially one that is being discussed or argued about. For example: "This is an interesting case in which two conflicting legal opinions must be weighed against each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In another case in which the A.C.L.U.

The New York Times

"This is a case in which GTECH..

The Washington Post

In any other case in which actual negligence is shown.

Cornell University

This is a case in which the semantics are important.

The Washington Post

The case in which they succeeded was in Arizona.

The New York Times

And this was the case in which officers were punished.

The New York Times

Usually the latter is the case, in which case, fine.

The New Yorker

We contrast the minimal disclosure setting with the case in which all bids are public, and the case in which only the winner's bids are public.

Yale University

In contrast, biofuels regulation offers an unusual case in which policy leapt ahead of scientific evidence.

University of California, Berkeley

It took place in a case in which public interest and public tempers had been aroused.

Cornell University

REINECKE: The first case in which a gas chamber appeared was the case of Auschwitz.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "case in which", ensure the noun following "in which" directly relates to and clarifies the "case" you are referencing for clear understanding.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "case in which" within close proximity in your writing. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "case in which" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a specific instance or situation to a broader context. Ludwig AI highlights numerous examples demonstrating its use in various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

31%

Science

27%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "case in which" is a versatile relative clause introducer used to provide specific examples or scenarios that illustrate a broader context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it maintains grammatical correctness and widespread usability. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", this phrase demonstrates a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts. When using "case in which", it's beneficial to ensure clarity in its connection to the described situation and avoid overuse for stylistic refinement. Considering alternatives like "instance where" or "situation in which" can enhance writing variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instance where

Replaces "case" with "instance" and "in which" with "where", creating a slightly more concise phrasing while retaining the core meaning.

situation in which

Substitutes "case" with "situation", emphasizing the specific circumstances being referenced.

circumstance in which

Replaces "case" with "circumstance", highlighting the particular set of conditions involved.

scenario where

Uses "scenario" instead of "case" and "where" instead of "in which", presenting a slightly more descriptive framing.

event in which

Employs "event" in place of "case", focusing on a specific occurrence.

example where

Replaces "case" with "example" and "in which" with "where", emphasizing the illustrative nature of the instance.

situation where

Similar to "instance where", it replaces 'case' with 'situation' and simplifies the structure.

the instance when

Offers a more temporal connection using "when" instead of "in which".

an occasion where

Highlights a particular time or opportunity, using "occasion" instead of "case".

a time when

Focuses specifically on the temporal aspect of the situation, using "time" as the primary noun.

FAQs

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

Use "case in which" to introduce a specific instance or example that illustrates a broader point. For example, "This is a "case in which" careful planning led to a successful outcome".

What are some alternatives to "case in which"?

You can use alternatives like "instance where", "situation in which", or "circumstance in which" to add variety to your writing.

Is "case in which" formal or informal?

"Case in which" is suitable for both formal and neutral writing contexts. However, you can use more informal options like "time when" in casual conversation.

When should I use "case in which" versus "cases in which"?

Use "case in which" for a singular instance and "cases in which" when referring to multiple instances or situations. For example, "This is a "case in which" the rule applies," versus, "There are several "cases in which" the rule applies".