case of necessity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "case of necessity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation where something must be done due to urgent or unavoidable circumstances. Example: "In a case of necessity, we may have to make decisions without prior consultation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The airline may also "alter or omit the stopping places shown on the ticket in case of necessity".

Independent

"This is clearly the case of necessity being the mother of invention," said Jim Nail, an online advertising analyst with Forrester Research, an Internet consulting firm.

The New York Times

But poor parents are slightly more likely to let their children go to the store alone, a case of necessity dictating behavior.

The New York Times

In the most damaging conversation, recorded early on Wednesday afternoon, Rousseff tells Lula she is sending him over his ministerial papers "in case of necessity".

The Guardian

The same day as his appointment was announced, Rousseff called Lula to tell him that she was sending him his ministerial papers "in case of necessity".

The Guardian

On the 28th floor, a padlocked room housing electrical transformers has a "High Voltage" warning sign on its door that advises, "In case of necessity, call MUrray Hill 2-4477".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

In cases of necessity, a boy nearing his Bar Mitzvah is sometimes counted as the 10th male member.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Going further, John Calvin says that "it is lawful to use wine not only in cases of necessity, but also thereby to make us merry," and in his Genevan Catechism, he answers that wine is appropriate in the Lord's Supper because "by wine the hearts of men are gladdened, their strength recruited, and the whole man strengthened, so by the blood of our Lord the same benefits are received by our souls".

Wikipedia

"Where it's been muddied is my position on late-term procedures: I unequivocally do not support late-term procedures, except in the case of medical necessity".

The New Yorker

(Jones has said, "The law for decades has been that late-term procedures are generally restricted except in the case of medical necessity. That's what I support").

The New Yorker

Last year the law, which bans any "assault on the integrity of the human body except in case of therapeutic necessity," was changed to replace the word "therapeutic" with "medical".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "case of necessity", consider whether a more specific term, such as "emergency" or "crisis", might be more appropriate and descriptive.

Common error

Avoid using "case of necessity" as a general excuse without clearly specifying the necessity. Always provide context to justify why an action is deemed necessary, rather than leaving it implied or ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "case of necessity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or prepositional object to indicate a situation where something is required or permissible due to unavoidable circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "case of necessity" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, often employed to justify actions or decisions based on the urgency or unavoidability of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not extremely common, it appears across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. When using this phrase, clarity is key: explicitly state what the necessity entails to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "matter of urgency" or "exigent circumstance" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential requirement

Points out a mandatory condition or element.

indispensable condition

Stresses that the condition is absolutely necessary.

pressing need

Highlights the critical requirement or demand.

matter of urgency

Focuses on the time-sensitive aspect of the situation.

exigent circumstance

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation, requiring immediate action.

last resort

Implies that all other options have been exhausted.

compelling reason

Underlines the forcefulness and importance behind the necessity.

dire straits

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the situation.

unavoidable situation

Focuses on the lack of alternatives.

critical juncture

Highlights the importance and decisiveness of the moment.

FAQs

How can I use "case of necessity" in a sentence?

You can use "case of necessity" to explain why something is required or justified due to urgent circumstances. For example, "In a "case of necessity", the regulations can be temporarily waived."

What are some alternatives to "case of necessity"?

Alternatives include "matter of urgency", "exigent circumstance", or "pressing need", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "case of necessity" or "in cases of necessity"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "case of necessity" is typically used for a specific situation, while "in cases of necessity" refers to multiple or general instances. For example, "This is a "case of necessity"." vs. "In "cases of necessity", we are allowed to deviate from the protocol."

What's the difference between "case of necessity" and "matter of necessity"?

"Case of necessity" often refers to a specific instance or situation, whereas "matter of necessity" emphasizes the general importance or unavoidability of something. The two are interchangeable in some contexts but subtly different.