individual case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "individual case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific instance or situation that is distinct from others. Example: "In this individual case, we must consider the unique circumstances before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An individual case of bad luck?

The New York Times

"This is only an individual case.

The Guardian

We cannot comment on any individual case".

The Guardian

Every case is an individual case.

The Guardian - Sport

Individual case studies add still more confusion.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Every individual case is different," Mr. Browne said.

The New York Times

"We are thoroughly reviewing each individual case," his spokesperson said.

The Guardian - Business

Officials said they could not comment on an individual case.

The New York Times

But that evidence must be particular to each individual case.

The Washington Post

Individual case formulations based on these symptoms were developed.

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice

She said she couldn't talk about an individual case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In reports and analyses, using "individual case" can help to ensure that the focus remains on the specific subject at hand, rather than broader trends or comparisons.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions or making sweeping generalizations based solely on an "individual case". Always acknowledge the limitations of a single instance and consider the potential for other factors to be at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "individual case" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a specific instance distinct from others, focusing on the unique aspects of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "individual case" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a specific instance or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. The phrase emphasizes the importance of considering unique circumstances, making it particularly relevant in legal, medical, and analytical fields. While synonyms like "specific instance" or "particular situation" exist, "individual case" provides a distinct focus on the singularity of the matter at hand. Avoid overgeneralizing from a single "individual case" to prevent drawing inaccurate conclusions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific instance

Replaces "case" with a more general term, focusing on the particularity of the occurrence.

particular situation

Emphasizes the circumstances surrounding the event, instead of framing it as a 'case'.

single occurrence

Highlights the singularity and event-like nature of the case.

isolated event

Stresses the separateness of the event from any broader pattern.

unique circumstance

Focuses on the distinctiveness of the conditions related to the case.

distinct example

Presents the case as a clear-cut instance different from others.

one-off incident

Conveys the non-recurring nature of the case.

special matter

Highlights that this case requires unique handling or consideration.

an instance in question

More formal and points to a particular occurrence that's being discussed.

given event

Used when referring to an event that has already been mentioned or is understood within a specific context.

FAQs

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

You can use "individual case" to refer to a specific instance or situation, such as: "The court will review each "individual case" separately" or "We cannot comment on any "individual case" due to privacy concerns".

What's a good substitute for "individual case"?

Depending on the context, you could use "specific instance", "particular situation", or "isolated event" as alternatives to "individual case".

Is it appropriate to use "individual case" in formal writing?

Yes, "individual case" is suitable for formal writing, especially in legal, medical, or academic contexts where precise language is necessary. However, consider alternatives like "specific instance" if you want to avoid repetition.

What is the difference between "individual case" and "general case"?

"Individual case" refers to a specific situation or instance being considered, while "general case" refers to a broad or typical scenario that encompasses many possibilities. For example, "In this "individual case", mitigating circumstances apply, which differs from the "general case" where standard penalties are enforced".