in a given case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a given case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific situation or instance being discussed or analyzed. Example: "The court must consider the evidence presented in a given case before making a ruling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither insurers nor government administrators can make the medical care decisions in a given case.

The New York Times

He interprets as he sees fit in a given case and makes inferences that are his alone".

The Guardian

How an agency proceeds in a given case is one thing, but what it and we understand our rights to be should never be secret.

The New Yorker

Another is the unnecessary, wasteful or marginally useful analyses resulting from the nonscientific (investigator- or prosecutor-driven) selection of physical evidence in a given case.

The New York Times

Anyone who tries cases regularly will acknowledge that it is virtually impossible to predict how an individual will vote in a given case.

The New Yorker

Moreover, the preparation or programming of a text for treatment in this way, whether mechanical aids are used or not, is long and laborious, and one must consider whether in a given case the results justify the expenditure of effort.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In an era in which serial marriages, serial families, and blended families are not uncommon, according succession rights under our intestacy laws to posthumously conceived children may, in a given case, have the potential to pit child against child and family against family," she said, since the later child's share of the inheritance would reduce the amount available to any older children.

The New York Times

Indeed, in a given case one might be led astray by following one's evidence, as when one's evidence is misleading.

SEP

Application of these rules may, however, yield conclusions that are contrary to one's considered judgment in a given case.

SEP

The CFAA broadly defines computer crimes under terms like "unauthorized access" and "damage without authorization," which give prosecutors discretion to interpret what "authorization" means in a given case.

TechCrunch

More importantly, no contingent feature of the situation could plausibly figure in an explanation of why the leap year fact is not a reason in a given case.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a given case", ensure the context clearly defines the 'case' you are referring to. Lack of clarity can lead to ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "in a given case" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with synonyms like "in specific instances" or "under certain circumstances" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a given case" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier. It specifies the scope or context to which a statement applies, indicating that the statement is true only under certain conditions. Ludwig AI confirms this with multiple examples illustrating its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a given case" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify the conditions under which a statement holds true. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adverbial modifier, adding context and limiting the scope of a claim. It is commonly found in science, news, and encyclopedic sources, suggesting a register that ranges from neutral to formal. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overuse for stylistic purposes. Consider using alternative phrases like "in a specific instance" or "under certain circumstances" for variety. The frequency of this phrase indicates its broad applicability in various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a specific instance

Focuses on a particular occurrence or event.

under certain circumstances

Highlights the conditional nature of the situation.

in particular situations

Emphasizes the specific nature of the scenario.

in certain instances

Similar to 'in a specific instance' but slightly more formal.

for example

Introduces a clarifying example of a situation being discussed.

in this situation

Refers to a situation immediately under consideration.

in this scenario

Similar to "in this situation" but may imply a hypothetical context.

in such cases

Indicates a type of case, rather than a single situation.

on a case-by-case basis

Emphasizes that each instance is considered individually.

as the case may be

Indicates that the outcome depends on the specific circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a given case" to specify a particular situation or example, such as, "The outcome may vary "in a given case" depending on the patient's medical history".

What are some alternatives to "in a given case"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in a specific instance", "under certain circumstances", or "on a case-by-case basis". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in a given case" or "in this case"?

"In this case" typically refers to the current situation being discussed, while "in a given case" refers to a hypothetical or general situation. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "in a given case" and "as the case may be"?

"In a given case" highlights the specifics of a situation, whereas "as the case may be" /s/as+the+case+may+be acknowledges that the outcome depends on the varying circumstances of a situation.