either is the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either is the case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when presenting two possibilities or options, indicating that one or both may be true. Example: "In this situation, either is the case: we can proceed with the project as planned, or we can delay it for further review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I don't think either is the case," she says.

The Guardian

If either is the case, why not just say so, or take the opportunity to quash suspicions?

The Guardian - Business

To find out which of either is the case must be subject of future investigation including an in-depth analysis of the genetic network involved in the formation of the tritocerebral segment in arthropods.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

If either is the case, adjust the tape (by cutting it or adding more) so that it covers the entire uncut center.

WikiHow

For example, one principle of standard logic is the law of excluded middle, which says that something either is the case, or it isn't.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And yet in year one of the TEF it will either be the case that all courses can raise their fees in line with inflation, or that none of the courses can".

The Guardian

There appears to be no evidence that either was the case with Wilson.

Huffington Post

It may either be the case that a particular violation is missed although the rule is represented, or that a sound being adequately encoded is not identified as a rule violation because the rule is currently not represented.

Plosone

This might either be the case for the saturation technique (described below), or if the problem can be encoded without a guess & check approach (e.g. for grounded semantics).

Artificial Intelligence

I have a hard time believing either of those is the case.

TechCrunch

However, it is not clear that either of these is the case.

Sedimentary Geology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either is the case", ensure the two options you are presenting are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. This helps the reader understand the context and the alternatives being considered.

Common error

Avoid using "either is the case" when more than two possibilities exist, as it implies a binary choice. If there are multiple options, rephrase to accurately reflect the range of possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either is the case" functions as a connector, linking a statement to two preceding possibilities. It indicates that at least one of those possibilities is valid. Ludwig AI confirms this is a usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "either is the case" is a useful phrase for indicating that at least one of two presented options is true. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly used in various writing contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While "either is the case" is acceptable, consider using alternatives such as "either possibility holds" or "one of the two is true" for clarity or stylistic variation. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring only two possibilities are in scope, to avoid misleading your reader. The phrase functions as a connector and has neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either possibility holds

Emphasizes that one of two possibilities is true, similar to the original phrase but more direct.

one of the two is true

States directly that at least one of two options is valid.

one or both are valid

Highlights the validity of one or both options, adding clarity.

it's either one or the other

Focuses on the exclusivity or inclusiveness of the options.

either scenario is applicable

Replaces "case" with "scenario", suitable when discussing hypothetical situations.

either alternative applies

Uses "alternative" instead of "case", suitable when discussing choices.

either situation is correct

Substitutes "situation" for "case", suitable when assessing circumstances.

either outcome is possible

Focuses on potential results, using "outcome" instead of "case".

it may be so in either instance

More formal and verbose, suitable for academic or legal contexts.

either way it could happen

Implies that regardless of which option, some thing will happen.

FAQs

How do I use "either is the case" in a sentence?

Use "either is the case" to indicate that one of two presented options or situations is true. For example, "We can proceed as planned, or we can delay. Either is the case."

What can I say instead of "either is the case"?

You can use alternatives like "either possibility holds", "one of the two is true", or "either scenario is applicable" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "either of which is the case"?

Yes, "either of which is the case" is grammatically correct and used to refer back to two previously mentioned items or possibilities, indicating that one of them is true or applicable.

What's the difference between "either is the case" and "both are the case"?

"Either is the case" implies that one of two options is true, while "both are the case" means that both options are true simultaneously. The choice depends on the context and the relationship between the options.