cite a case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cite a case" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of mentioning a legal case as a reference or example in legal writing or discussions. For example, "In support of my argument, I will cite a case that illustrates this point." Alternative expressions include "reference a case" and "mention a case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Law

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

As a model, the plaintiffs' lawyers cite a case in Cincinnati a decade ago, in which the city agreed to fund an independent monitor who filed regular reports on the local cops' compliance with the law.

The New Yorker

As support, they cite a case in which a defendant was removed after repeatedly interrupting his trial and threatening to kill the judge.

The New York Times

Department officials said today that they could decline to make such reimbursements, but they could not cite a case where they had done so.

The New York Times

They cite a case in January when four 911 operators failed to answer emergency phones when people in Dupont Circle were trying to report a house fire that killed a 24-year-old man.

The New York Times

They cite a case in September, when the Supreme Court of Washington State overturned the voyeurism convictions of two men who had taken surreptitious photographs up women's skirts in public locations; the state voyeurism law, the court held, did not protect people at public sites.

The New York Times - Arts

So, after such examples of difficult-second-series syndrome, it's welcome to be able to cite a case of exemplary season-two management: as Fresh Meat reaches the penultimate episode of its return-series tonight (10pm, Channel 4), writing, acting and plotting all hugely justify the decision to continue.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

She cites a case from the 1960s, Williams v. Walker-Thomas Furniture Company. Walker-Thomas Furniture Company

The New York Times

Inglis cites a case where the US had intelligence on a suspected terrorist in Somalia.

The Guardian

He cited a case that made news though it involved only a stolen taco.

The New York Times - Sports

Thomas F. Ryan, Mr. Syron's predecessor at the stock exchange, cited a case in point.

The New York Times

He cited a case he knows about on the condition that he not identify the participants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or legal contexts, follow this phrase with the specific name of the case or a proper citation format to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid confusing "cite" with its homophones: "site" (a location) or "sight" (the ability to see). Additionally, avoid unnecessary prepositions like "cite about a case"; the verb "cite" is transitive and should be followed directly by its object.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cite a case" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It is primarily used to introduce an example or a legal precedent that supports a claim. Ludwig AI indicates that it is frequently found in structured arguments where evidence is required. It follows the standard English verb-object structure with the indefinite article "a" indicating that a specific, single instance is being selected from a broader set.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Reference

10%

Formal & Business

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cite a case" is a robust and grammatically correct expression widely used across professional and journalistic fields. According to Ludwig, it serves as a critical bridge between an argument and its supporting evidence, whether that evidence is a legal precedent, a medical study or a journalistic example. The data shows it is most prevalent in high-authority media like The New York Times and The Guardian. While it is slightly more formal than simply mentioning something, it remains accessible for neutral contexts. Writers should be careful not to confuse "cite" with "site" and should use the phrase when they intend to provide a specific, verifiable example to back up their claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reference a case

More general and slightly more academic than citing

refer to a case

Standard alternative used for directing attention to a specific instance

mention a case

Less formal and suggests a brief or passing reference

point to a case

Used to draw direct attention to an example as evidence

invoke a case

Stronger connotation of using a case as a powerful legal or moral authority

bring up a case

Informal phrasing often used in spoken discussions or debates

quote a case

Specifically implies using the exact words from a case's documentation

adduce a case

Highly formal and specific to legal or logic-based evidence presentation

highlight a case

Suggests making a specific case prominent within a broader discussion

instance a case

Very formal and less common way to treat a case as an illustrative example

FAQs

How to use "cite a case" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce evidence, such as: "Lawyers will often "cite a case" from the past to influence a judge's current decision."

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

Depending on your tone, you could use alternatives like "reference a case", "refer to a case" or "mention a case".

Is it "cite a case" or "site a case"?

The correct spelling is ""cite a case"". The word "cite" means to quote or refer to something as evidence, whereas "site" refers to a physical location.

What is the difference between "cite a case" and "invoke a case"?

While both refer to a specific instance, "invoke a case" often implies calling upon a rule or a precedent for protection or as an undeniable authority, whereas "cite" is a more neutral act of referencing.