classic case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "classic case" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a situation or scenario that is a perfect or typical example of something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as literature, law, and everyday conversation. Example: In the novel, the main character's struggle with addiction is a classic case of the destructive effects of substance abuse. Example: The defendant's actions were a classic case of negligence, leading to the injury of the plaintiff. Example: It's a classic case of mistaken identity - the police arrested the wrong person for the crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a classic case".

The New York Times

Classic case of othering.

The New York Times

Ohio is a classic case.

The Economist

Roussillon is a classic case.

Independent

It was a classic case.

The New York Times

Take a classic case.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's the classic case," she says.

Independent

Anxiety is a classic case.

The New Yorker

Pennsylvania is a classic case.

The New York Times

Ribéry is a classic case.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a classic case, and it's inevitable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "classic case" to succinctly introduce a well-known or easily recognizable example that supports your argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "classic case" repeatedly in formal or academic papers. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to maintain a sophisticated tone. Synonyms such as "prime example" or "textbook example" may be more suitable in certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "classic case" functions as a noun phrase used to introduce a quintessential or easily recognizable example of a particular situation, phenomenon, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Academia

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "classic case" is a versatile and widely used expression to denote a typical or well-known example of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in various sources, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "prime example" or "representative example" in academic or professional writing to maintain a sophisticated tone. Remember that the effectiveness of "classic case" lies in its ability to quickly convey a clear and relatable instance to the audience, ensuring a better understanding of the point being made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

textbook example

Replaces "classic case" with a more academic or instructional tone, implying a standard illustration of a concept.

prime example

Suggests that the instance is not only typical, but also of high quality or particularly illustrative.

classic illustration

Similar to "textbook example", but can be used in a broader range of contexts.

typical instance

Uses more neutral language, focusing on the representativeness of the case.

representative example

Highlights the case's ability to accurately reflect a larger trend or category.

standard scenario

Emphasizes that the situation follows a predictable or expected pattern.

hallmark instance

Implies that the case perfectly embodies the defining characteristics of something.

model example

Suggests the case is worthy of imitation because it exemplifies desirable qualities.

common occurrence

Shifts the focus from a specific case to a general event that happens frequently.

archetypal situation

Indicates that the situation represents a fundamental or ideal pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "classic case" to introduce a typical or well-known example. For instance, "The company's failure to adapt to the changing market is a classic case of strategic shortsightedness".

What are some alternatives to "classic case"?

Alternatives include "prime example", "typical instance", or "textbook example", depending on the desired nuance.

Is "classic case" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "classic case" might sound too informal in certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "representative example" or "standard scenario".

What's the difference between "classic case" and "typical case"?

"Classic case" implies that the example is well-known or frequently cited, while "typical case" simply means that the example is representative or common. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize familiarity or representativeness.