not in this case

USAGE SUMMARY

"not in this case" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when one wants to emphasize the exception to a rule that has been stated. For example: "Normally I never eat cookies, but not in this case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Not in this case.

The New York Times

But not in this case.

The New York Times

And certainly not in this case.

The Economist

Well, apparently not in this case.

The New York Times

Though not in this case.

The Guardian - Books

They did not in this case.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It hasn't in this case," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't in this case.

Forbes

It wasn't in this case.

TechCrunch

We shouldn't in this case.

Huffington Post

But Cramer wasn't, in this case, the Guy Who Hurt America.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not in this case", ensure that the rule or condition being referred to is clear to the reader. Provide context or a reference to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "not in this case" is useful for indicating exceptions, avoid overusing it. Excessive use can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in this case" functions as a disclaimer or qualifier, indicating that a general rule or expectation does not apply to the specific situation being discussed. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts to signal exceptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

8%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not in this case" is a versatile phrase used to indicate exceptions to established rules or norms. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very common, frequently appearing in news and media sources. To ensure clarity, use it when it's essential to point out a deviation from a general rule or pattern. While direct and effective, avoiding overuse keeps writing concise and impactful. Consider alternatives like "this is an exception" for variety. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "not in this case" to add precision and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this time it's an exception

This is a more emphatic and concise version of the phrase, highlighting that it's specifically the circumstance that makes this one different.

here's an exception

A more direct way of pointing out that what has been said before doesn't fully applies.

this is an exception

This alternative directly states that the current situation is an exception to a general rule.

in this particular instance it's different

This longer version of the phrase is more formal and polite.

this does not apply here

This phrase indicates that a previously mentioned rule or condition is not relevant in the present situation.

this is a departure from the norm

This suggests that the current situation is different from what is typically expected.

the exception proves the rule

While a common idiom, it highlights that even exceptions acknowledge the existence of a general rule.

this instance is different

This phrase emphasizes the uniqueness of the current situation compared to others.

this is an isolated event

Meaning it's something sporadic and not likely to happen again.

this situation is an outlier

This emphasizes that the situation is statistically uncommon.

FAQs

How can I use "not in this case" in a sentence?

Use "not in this case" to point out exceptions to a general rule. For example, "Normally, we don't accept late submissions, but "not in this case", given the circumstances."

What's an alternative to saying "not in this case"?

You can use phrases like "this is an exception", "this does not apply here", or "the exception proves the rule".

Is it correct to use "not in this case" at the beginning of a sentence?

While it's more common to find "not in this case" in the middle or end of a sentence, it can be used at the beginning for emphasis, though this is less formal. For example, "Not in this case, however, do we see such a stark contrast."

What's the difference between "not in this case" and "in this instance"?

"Not in this case" implies a deviation from a norm or previously stated rule, while "in this instance" simply refers to the specific situation without necessarily implying an exception. You can use "in this instance" as a neutral way to talk about something specific.