in the earlier case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the earlier case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to a previously mentioned situation or example in a discussion or argument. Example: "The findings in the earlier case suggest that similar outcomes may occur in this situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the earlier case, Arizona-based A.T.F.

The New York Times

That court had held in the earlier case of The People v. Steele, 231 Ill.

Cornell University

As in the earlier case, some crucial facts in Mr. Belnick's case are not in dispute.

The New York Times

Despite his involvement in the earlier case, he declined to recuse himself.

The New York Times

In the earlier case, a federal jury in New Orleans ruled for Merck on Wednesday.

The New York Times

And, as in the earlier case, you end up in America.

The Guardian

She said it was unclear what role Detective Hamdy had played in the earlier case.

The New York Times

In the earlier case, the teenager, Michael Cournede, 19, was charged with robbing a teenager on the Upper East Side.

The New York Times

In the earlier case, four men have been convicted and given the death penalty while another died in prison.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Plaintiff contends that the stipulation made in the earlier case by the attorneys for all the companies cannot operate against it in this case.

Cornell University

Ms. Giacalone, who had clashed with the Federal Bureau of Investigation over the disclosure of informants and other issues in the earlier case, left the office in 1988.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the earlier case", ensure the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity. If multiple cases have been discussed, specify which one you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "in the earlier case" if the reader might not easily identify which prior case you're referring to. Instead, briefly restate the case or provide a specific identifier to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the earlier case" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify a temporal relationship to a previously mentioned situation or legal matter. It provides context by referencing a prior event, as evidenced by examples on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the earlier case" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to reference a previously mentioned event, often in legal, academic, and journalistic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It serves to connect a current discussion point with a prior one, providing context and enabling comparisons. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure clarity in its reference to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "in the prior instance" and "as previously mentioned", offering alternative ways to achieve the same communicative purpose. When writing, ensure the reference is clear and specific, avoid overuse if multiple earlier cases exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the prior instance

Substitutes "earlier case" with "prior instance", maintaining a formal tone and referring to a preceding event.

in the previous situation

Replaces "case" with "situation", broadening the context to include non-legal scenarios.

as in the former situation

Uses "former situation" to directly reference a previously mentioned event, adding a formal tone.

similarly to the above case

Highlights the similarity to a case mentioned previously, emphasizing the parallel.

in the foregoing instance

Employs "foregoing instance" to refer back to something just mentioned, suitable for formal writing.

referring to the past case

This phrase is more general, indicating a reference to a past legal event.

with reference to the earlier matter

Replaces "case" with "matter", making it suitable for a broader range of topics beyond legal contexts.

as previously mentioned

A simpler and more general way to refer back to something already stated, applicable in various contexts.

before that

Simplifies the reference to a prior event, suitable for informal contexts.

previously

A concise way to indicate something happened before, lacking the specificity of a "case".

FAQs

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

You can use "in the earlier case" to refer back to a previously mentioned situation, often in legal or formal contexts. For example, "In the earlier case, the defendant was found guilty; however, new evidence has emerged."

What can I say instead of "in the earlier case"?

Alternatives include "in the previous case", "in the prior instance", or "as previously mentioned", depending on the level of formality and specificity required.

Which is correct, "in the earlier case" or "in the prior case"?

Both "in the earlier case" and "in the prior case" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "in the earlier case" and "in the later case"?

"In the earlier case" refers back to a case that was discussed before, while "in the later case" refers to one that will be or has been discussed after the "earlier case". They serve as contrasting references within a discussion.