in a case

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a case" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to describe a particular situation or event. For example: "In a case where the evidence was inconclusive, the judge was forced to declare a mistrial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

In a case involving anal sex?

The New York Times - Books

Stick it in a case.

The Guardian - Tech

Or put it in a case.

The Guardian - Tech

"In a case this complicated, that's important".

The New York Times

In a case that says "Taschen"!

The New Yorker

This payment covers the initial estimated charges in a case.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Ours are safely tucked away in a Case-Logic binder.

TechCrunch

Data were analyzed in a case-control design.

BMC Public Health

All data were recorded in a case-report form.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

These hypotheses will be tested in a case-control study.

BMC Public Health

In such a case, covalence prevails.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a case", ensure the context is clear. Specify which 'case' you're referring to, either explicitly or implicitly, for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "in a case" in formal writing. Opt for more precise language that directly addresses the specific circumstances. For example, instead of "in a case of emergency", use "in an emergency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a case" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a conditional clause or specifying circumstances under which something applies. Ludwig examples show it connecting actions to hypothetical or real-world scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a case" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce specific scenarios or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed in a wide array of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic writing. While suitable for various registers, it's beneficial to be mindful of potential overuse in formal writing, opting for more precise alternatives where possible. Remember to ensure that the context of the 'case' is clear, and consider using synonyms like "under the circumstances" or "given the situation" for variety and impact. Ludwig's examples provide ample illustrations of its correct application across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in such circumstances

Emphasizes a conditional relationship based on certain conditions being met.

under the circumstances

Focuses on the specific conditions influencing a situation, rather than the situation itself.

in light of the situation

Implies a new understanding or perspective affecting the action.

given the situation

Highlights the context as a pre-existing condition, implying a reaction to it.

taking into account the situation

Highlights a deliberate consideration of the surrounding circumstances.

under these conditions

Specifies the environment or terms influencing the outcome.

considering the facts

Directly relates the action to an evaluation of known information.

dependent on the situation

Expresses a direct causal link where the outcome relies on circumstance.

in this instance

Refers to a specific occurrence or example, narrowing the scope.

as the situation may be

Suggests a flexible approach adaptable to varying circumstances.

FAQs

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

The phrase "in a case" is typically used to introduce a specific scenario or situation. For example, "In a case where fraud is suspected, the authorities will investigate."

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

You can use alternatives like "under the circumstances", "given the situation", or "in such circumstances" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "in a case" or "in the case"?

Both "in a case" and "in the case" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "In a case" refers to any hypothetical or general situation, while "in the case" refers to a specific, already identified situation.

What's the difference between "in a case" and "in case"?

"In a case" refers to a particular circumstance or situation. "In case", on the other hand, means 'if it happens that' or 'as a precaution'. For example, "In a case of fire, use the stairs" versus "Take an umbrella in case it rains".