either case

USAGE SUMMARY

"either case" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to two possible outcomes or choices. Example: I'm not sure which option to choose, but it doesn't matter - either case will work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I didn't succeed in either case.

The New York Times - Travel

Either case is possible.

Huffington Post

(In either case, sofa time).

The New York Times

Not true in either case.

The New Yorker

In either case he loses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In either case, it's attention.

The New Yorker

In either case, their days seemed endless.

The New Yorker

In either case levelness is important.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The state is essential in either case.

The Economist

In either case, it was a lot.

The New Yorker

Police have no suspects in either case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "either case" to clearly indicate that a statement applies to both of two possibilities you've just outlined. This helps avoid ambiguity and makes your writing more concise.

Common error

Avoid using "either case" when you mean "in any case". "Either case" refers specifically to one of two stated possibilities, while "in any case" introduces a statement that is true regardless of previous conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either case" functions as a conjunctive phrase or transitional expression. It connects a statement to one of two preceding possibilities or conditions. Ludwig examples show its role in setting up a scenario where the following statement applies no matter which of the two options is true.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

23%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "either case" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a statement applies to two previously mentioned possibilities. According to Ludwig, it functions as a conjunctive phrase, ensuring clarity across various writing contexts. It appears frequently in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources, maintaining a neutral register. Common errors include confusion with "in any case", which has a broader meaning. Employing synonyms like "in either situation" can add variety to your writing, although be aware of nuance. Given its widespread usage and clear function, "either case" remains a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in either situation

Replaces "case" with "situation", emphasizing the circumstances.

under either circumstance

Substitutes "case" with "circumstance", highlighting the conditions.

in either event

Uses "event" instead of "case", focusing on the occurrence.

in either scenario

Replaces "case" with "scenario", framing it as a hypothetical situation.

in both instances

While referring to cases, this implies a focus on specific occurrences, where "either case" implies a condition.

regardless of the situation

Focuses on the lack of impact from which situation arises.

whatever the situation

It presents less focus on previous assumptions.

irrespective of the event

Highlights a lack of dependency on events

in any of these situations

Expands beyond two options to include multiple situations, decreasing the focus on the duality.

no matter what happens

Shifts the focus to future possibilities rather than present conditions.

FAQs

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

"Either case" is used to indicate that a statement applies to both of two possibilities. For example, "Whether you choose to walk or drive, in "either case", be sure to bring a map."

What's the difference between "either case" and "in any case"?

"Either case" refers specifically to one of two previously mentioned possibilities. "In any case" introduces a statement that is true regardless of the preceding conditions or choices.

Are there synonyms for "either case" that I can use to vary my writing?

Yes, you can use phrases like "in "either situation"", "under "either circumstance"", or "in "either event"" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "either cases" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "either case". "Case" should be singular because "either" refers to one of two options individually, not multiple cases collectively.