constitute a case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constitute a case" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to form or make up the basis or evidence for a particular argument or legal matter. Example: The witness's testimony and the surveillance footage constitute a strong case against the defendant.

✓ Grammatically correct

Law

Science

News

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

That the issues thus raised and judicially determined would constitute a case or controversy if raised and decided in a suit brought by the taxpayer to enjoin collection of the tax cannot be questioned.

Cornell University

In the same manner, petitions for certiorari to this Court are often met with silence or even acquiescence; yet no one would suggest this deprives the petitions of the adversity needed to constitute a case.

Cornell University

One wicket obviously does not in itself constitute a case for his inclusion, but Simon Kerrigan cannot have damaged his chances of being named in England's squad for this week's fifth Ashes Test by the manner in which he dismissed David Warner.

The Guardian - Sport

The MP who raised the case, which dates back to the 1980s but surfaced only after recent disclosures about the clandestine unit of police spies, suggested it may constitute a case in which "a police officer crossed the line into acting as an agent provocateur".

The Guardian

The strongest version of this argument states that it would be wrong now to produce a child using SCNT because it would constitute a case of wrongful procreation.

SEP

This thinking does not constitute a case of proving or following a proof of the conclusion, because it involves a step which we cannot clearly tell is valid.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

There can be little doubt that Hohn's application for a certificate of appealability constitutes a case under §1254 1).

Cornell University

The industrially important process of formaldehyde absorption in water constitutes a case of multicomponent mass transfer with multiple reactions and considerable heat effects.

Chemical Engineering Science

It would have been unnecessary to include a provision barring certiorari review if a motion to file a second or successive application would not otherwise have constituted a case in the court of appeals for purposes of 28 U.S.C. 1254(1254

Cornell University

We held the request for leave constituted a case in the district court over which the court of appeals could assert jurisdiction, even though the district court had denied the request.

Cornell University

This chapter explores the nature of safety, beginning with an examination of Hurricane Katrina how it constitutes a case study for engineering ethics, as safety is a matter of degrees and comprised by engineering and nonengineering factors.

Global Engineering Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constitute a case" when you want to emphasize that certain facts, evidence, or arguments collectively form a basis for a legal claim, scientific conclusion, or general assertion. For instance, "The accumulated data points constitute a compelling case for further research."

Common error

Avoid using "constitute a case" in casual or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "prove" or "show" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute a case" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that certain elements or pieces of evidence form the basis of a legal, logical, or factual argument. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "constitute a case" is a versatile expression used to describe how various pieces of evidence or arguments combine to form a basis for a claim. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and prevalent in both legal and scientific domains. While alternatives like "form a case" or "build a case" exist, "constitute a case" maintains a level of formality suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. Using this phrase effectively involves understanding its nuanced meaning and applying it appropriately to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings. Overall, it remains a valuable asset in formal communication, especially when articulating the foundation of an argument or a legal claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form a case

Replaces "constitute" with "form", indicating the creation or establishment of a case.

establish a case

Emphasizes the act of proving or setting up the foundation of a case.

build a case

Suggests a gradual construction or accumulation of evidence to support a case.

present a case

Focuses on the act of showing or displaying the elements of a case.

comprise a case

Indicates that certain elements or factors make up a case.

offer a case

Suggests providing or putting forward the details of a case.

represent a case

Implies that something embodies or exemplifies a particular instance or argument.

amount to a case

Suggests that something reaches the level or significance of being considered a case.

make up a case

Indicates the combination of elements to create a case.

develop a case

Focuses on the progressive unfolding or detailing of a case over time.

FAQs

What does "constitute a case" mean in legal terms?

In legal contexts, "constitute a case" means to provide sufficient evidence or arguments to establish a basis for legal action or judgment. It implies that the presented information forms a coherent and supportable claim.

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

You can use "constitute a case" to explain that certain factors combine to form a sufficient reason or argument for something. For example: "The expert's testimony and the forensic evidence "build a case" against the defendant."

What are some alternatives to "constitute a case"?

Alternatives to "constitute a case" include "form a case", "establish a case", or "build a case". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "constitute a case" and "prove a case"?

"Constitute a case" implies forming or presenting the elements necessary for a case, while "prove a case" suggests successfully demonstrating or validating that case with conclusive evidence. Constituting a case is the initial step; proving it is the ultimate goal.