case of a cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "case of a cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where someone is experiencing a cold or when discussing the occurrence of cold symptoms. Example: "In the case of a cold, it's important to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In the case of a cold, the lag betw.

The New Yorker

We are told of the case of a cold store where the authorities uncovered evidence of extensive criminal planning.

The Guardian

For the case of a cold shock, the stress field is tensile near the surface of the plate and gives rise to a mode I stress intensity factor for a pre-existing crack at the surface of the plate.

Acta Materialia

Even when prompted, only 5 of the 46 nurses said they reassured patients during an emergency evacuation and 10 in case of a cold referral (this may seem contradictory, but in an emergency patients and their family are usually less surprised about the referral proposal and require less reassurance in order to obtain compliance).

Human Resources for Health

In case of a cold winter, a coat becomes a girl's best friend.

WikiHow

In the case of a cold compress, you should cover the affected area for 20 minute increments over the course of 24 hours.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It presents the special case of a cold-blooded massacre of children by a political terrorist whose guilt is unquestionable and who remains utterly unrepentant; indeed, he told the court that he would kill again if given the opportunity.

The Washington Post

The microstructural control of the nitrided case on a cold-work tool steel (SKD11) plate by laser melting and friction stir processing (FSP) was studied.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Decongestants do not solve the problem that prompts their use, except in the case of a transient cold.

The New York Times - Health

(a) Sheet carrier concentration of LAO/STO heterostructures for the case of a running cold cathode gauge (CC) and a turned off one, respectively.

Nature

I can also understand, as in the case of a recent Cold Case episode, the portrayal of resentful family members or friends who might be concerned that once the boy could hear he might look down on those in his circle.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "case of a cold", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to someone experiencing the illness. For example, "In the case of a cold, rest is essential."

Common error

Avoid using "case of a cold" when you mean something more severe, like influenza or pneumonia. "Case of a cold" implies a mild, temporary illness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "case of a cold" functions as a noun phrase that describes an instance or occurrence of experiencing cold symptoms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English, used to describe a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "case of a cold" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe someone experiencing cold symptoms. As Ludwig AI states, it's appropriate for various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse sources, including news, scientific publications, and general writing. When using the phrase, make sure that the context clearly indicates it refers to the illness and not other more severe conditions. Alternatives like "instance of a cold" or "bout of a cold" may be used for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instance of a cold

Replaces "case" with "instance", emphasizing a specific occurrence.

bout of a cold

Substitutes "case" with "bout", highlighting a period or attack of the illness.

onset of a cold

Focuses on the beginning or start of the cold.

attack of a cold

Replaces "case" with "attack", emphasizing the sudden and unpleasant nature of the illness.

experience with a cold

Shifts the focus to the personal experience of having a cold.

cold affliction

Uses "affliction" to describe the suffering caused by a cold.

cold infection

Replaces "case" with "infection", highlighting the medical aspect of the cold.

cold virus incident

Refers to the cold as a "virus incident", focusing on the viral cause.

cold-related illness

Broadens the scope to any illness related to a cold.

cold episode

Replaces "case" with "episode", emphasizing a specific event related to the cold.

FAQs

What does "case of a cold" mean?

The phrase "case of a cold" refers to an instance where someone is experiencing the symptoms and effects of a common cold. It implies a mild, temporary illness.

What can I say instead of "case of a cold"?

You can use alternatives like "instance of a cold", "bout of a cold", or "onset of a cold", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a case of the cold"?

While understandable, "a case of the cold" is less common and idiomatic than "a case of a cold". "A case of a cold" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing.

How do I use "case of a cold" in a sentence?

You can use "case of a cold" to describe situations where someone is experiencing cold symptoms. For example: "In the case of a cold, it's important to stay hydrated." or "He has a bad case of a cold this week."