cases where

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cases where" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean situations in which something is true or happens. For example, "There are some cases where I think it would be best to take a different approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In cases where it hasn't, they haven't.

The New Yorker

It's the hard cases where judges vary.

The New Yorker

In cases where the author is "dead….

The New Yorker

There are some cases where the penalty is waived.

The New York Times

"We pursue cases where they take us," he said.

The New York Times

And there are cases where the new technology disappoints.

The Guardian

There are cases where surgery doesn't work, yes".

The New Yorker

I've had cases where I've had big awards.

The Guardian

In those cases where patients ask, I will tell them.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"These gray cases -- where, 'Are they seriously mentally ill?

The New York Times

In the cases where it succeeds, its estimates are accurate.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cases where" to introduce specific examples or situations that illustrate a general point. It provides a clear and direct way to highlight relevant instances.

Common error

Avoid using "cases where" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language by using synonyms like "situations in which" or "instances when" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cases where" functions as a relative clause, introducing specific instances or situations that exemplify a broader point. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates scenarios in which something holds true or occurs. Examples show usage across varied fields, serving to offer context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cases where" is a grammatically correct and widely used relative clause that introduces specific examples or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, and Ludwig's examples show its application across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. While very common, it's advisable to vary your language to avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives such as "situations in which" or "instances when" to enhance readability. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, making it versatile for various audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

situations in which

Replaces "cases" with "situations" and uses "in which" instead of "where", focusing on the scenario.

instances in which

Substitutes "cases" with "instances", offering a slightly more formal tone while retaining the conditional aspect.

situations where

Similar to "cases where", but using "situations" to refer to specific conditions.

circumstances in which

Emphasizes the conditions or events surrounding something, offering a more detailed perspective.

occasions when

Focuses on specific instances in time when something occurs, replacing "cases" with "occasions".

times when

A simpler, more direct way to refer to specific instances when something happens.

in situations when

Highlights the conditional nature of the statement, adding emphasis to the circumstances.

under circumstances where

Adds a layer of conditionality, implying specific conditions must be met.

when

A concise alternative, suitable when the context already implies a conditional situation.

if

Presents a direct conditional statement, focusing on the necessary condition for something to occur.

FAQs

How can I use "cases where" in a sentence?

Use "cases where" to introduce specific situations or examples. For instance, "There are "cases where" the penalty is waived" demonstrates a specific scenario where a general rule doesn't apply.

What are some alternatives to using "cases where"?

You can use alternatives like "situations in which", "instances in which", or "circumstances in which" to add variety to your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in cases where"?

Yes, "in cases where" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's a standard way to introduce specific scenarios or conditions.

What's the difference between "cases where" and "situations where"?

While both are similar, ""cases where"" might imply more formal or legal contexts, while "situations where" is generally more versatile and can be used in a broader range of contexts.