in select cases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in select cases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something applies only to certain specific situations or instances. Example: "In select cases, we may allow exceptions to the standard policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One study showed that in select cases "hypnosis as sole anesthesia works extremely well," Spiegel said.

Stanford University

But only in select cases are people required to build them.

The New York Times

While there may have been questionable behavior in select cases, there are "few good statistics," as your article admits.

The New York Times

In select cases, the fund will defray the legal and public relations costs of pursuing harassment complaints and defending against related retaliation.

The Washington Post

Successful treatment strategies include aggressive management of the patient's reactive airway disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and, in select cases, paradoxical vocal fold motion.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Encryption shall be provided, at no additional charge, for any ITS-tagged device used by Weill Cornell Medical College faculty, staff, students, administrative officials, or - in select cases - affiliates.

Cornell University

Another recommendation in the new guidelines is for potential use of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans to decide whether or not to initiate statin therapy in select cases where the decision based on clinical risk factors is unclear.

Harvard University

First-line treatment for most PTCLs should include multi-agent chemotherapy with consideration of inclusion of etoposide chemotherapy for younger patients, as well as consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) in select cases.

Seminars in Hematology

The aim of this study was to describe the indications, technical details, and complications of a surgical maneuver designed to repair the vagina in select cases of cloaca and urogenital sinus.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery

"But in select cases," he added, "we feel the obit is too fine to discard, particularly if it is by a writer who brings a certain authority to it".

The New York Times

Other support the Americans and their NATO allies provide the Afghans will remain in place, like air cover, artillery support and, in select cases, the airlifting of wounded Afghans on American medical evacuation helicopters, officials said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in select cases" to clearly indicate that a statement applies only to specific, limited situations, avoiding generalizations. This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in select cases" as a filler phrase. Ensure its use is justified by the context and that the specific cases are either implied or explicitly defined, enhancing clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in select cases" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the limited scope or applicability of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and useful for precise communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in select cases" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to restrict the applicability of a statement to specific circumstances. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, it's suitable for neutral to formal contexts such as science, news, and academia. While versatile, overuse should be avoided to maintain clarity. Related phrases include "in particular instances" and "under certain conditions", offering similar precision. Its precise nature makes it a valuable tool for qualified statements, ensuring readers understand that a statement is not universally applicable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in particular instances

Replaces "cases" with "instances", emphasizing specific occurrences.

in specific situations

Substitutes "cases" with "situations", focusing on particular circumstances.

in certain circumstances

Uses "circumstances" instead of "cases", highlighting conditions.

under limited circumstances

Stresses the restricted nature of the situations.

under certain conditions

Replaces "in select cases" with a phrase emphasizing specific conditions that must be met.

in exceptional circumstances

Emphasizes that the cases are unusual or rare.

on occasion

Offers a shorter, more general alternative that indicates something happens sometimes.

if appropriate

Highlights that the action or situation depends on suitability.

where applicable

Indicates that something is only relevant or suitable in certain situations.

only when necessary

Focuses on the condition that something should only occur when there is a need.

FAQs

How can I use "in select cases" in a sentence?

Use "in select cases" to specify that a statement or action applies only to particular situations. For example, "In select cases, we may offer a refund."

What is a good alternative to "in select cases"?

Alternatives include "in particular instances", "in specific situations", or "under certain conditions".

Is it more formal to say "in select cases" or "sometimes"?

"In select cases" is generally more formal and precise than "sometimes". It indicates that there are specific, though perhaps unstated, criteria for when something applies.

What is the difference between "in select cases" and "in most cases"?

"In select cases" means only in a few, specific situations, while "in most cases" means that something is generally true but with some exceptions.