not the case

USAGE SUMMARY

"not the case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that is not true or does not exist. For example: "I had heard that prices were going up, but this was not the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not the case, apparently.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's not the case".

The New York Times

"That's not the case anymore.

The New York Times

It's really not the case".

The New York Times - Science

That's sadly not the case.

The New York Times

That was not the case".

The New York Times - Tech

That's not the case there.

The New York Times

"Clearly that's not the case".

The New York Times

That's clearly not the case.

The Guardian

That's not the case now".

The New York Times

"Here, that's not the case.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not the case" to politely and clearly contradict a statement or correct a misunderstanding. It's a versatile phrase applicable in many contexts.

Common error

While versatile, excessive use of "not the case" can make formal writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "incorrect", "untrue", or more direct rebuttals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not the case" functions as a negating declarative. It is used to contradict or deny a previous statement or assumption. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and is frequently employed to correct misconceptions or provide accurate information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not the case" is a common and grammatically correct way to negate a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in English. Its frequency is very common, predominantly found in news and media, but also present in formal and business contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Alternative phrases include "that's incorrect" and "that's untrue". Remember to use "not the case" to clearly and politely correct misinformation, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's incorrect

This alternative directly states that the preceding information is wrong.

that's untrue

Similar to "that's incorrect", but with a focus on the lack of truthfulness.

that isn't so

A more formal and slightly archaic way of expressing disagreement.

that's not right

A simple and direct way to indicate that something is wrong or inaccurate.

that's simply false

Highlights the falseness of the previous claim.

that's a fallacy

Emphasizes that the previous statement is based on flawed reasoning.

that's a misconception

Suggests the previous statement is a common but incorrect belief.

the opposite is true

Indicates that the reverse of the previous statement is actually correct.

that's far from the truth

Emphasizes the significant difference between the statement and reality.

that's not how it is

A more colloquial way of indicating that a situation is different from what was described.

FAQs

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

You can use "not the case" to politely contradict a previous statement. For example, "I thought they were sold out, but that's "not the case"."

What are some alternatives to saying "not the case"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that's incorrect", "that's untrue", or "that isn't so", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "that is not the case" more formal than "that's not the case"?

Yes, "that is not the case" is slightly more formal than the contracted form "that's not the case". Both are grammatically correct, but the uncontracted form is often preferred in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "not the case" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "not the case" when you want to politely disagree with a statement or clarify a misunderstanding. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing, although more direct alternatives might be preferred in very formal contexts.