on a case by case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a case by case" is correct and commonly used in written English
It is often used to describe a process or decision that is made separately for each individual case, rather than applying a general rule or solution. Example: "We cannot make a blanket policy for all employees; we must evaluate each request on a case by case basis." Another example: "The judge will consider each defendant's circumstances on a case by case basis before handing down a sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, on a case-by-case basis.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Hopefully, on a case-by-case basis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Juniors are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Cornell University

This will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Stanford University

Deposit extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis.

Cornell University

Those applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Columbia University

Other schools on a case-by-case basis.

Harvard University

This is done solely on a case-by-case basis.

Columbia University

Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.

University of California, Berkeley

We review such applications on a case-by-case basis.

Columbia University

Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Omit hyphens when the phrase follows a verb and functions purely as an adverbial, though keeping them is rarely considered a major error in modern usage.

Common error

Avoid using the incorrect variation "on a case to case basis". The standard idiom is "on a case by case", where "by" correctly indicates the sequential and individual nature of the evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a case by case" functions as an adverbial adjunct or a compound adjective that modifies how decisions or evaluations are conducted. According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used to describe processes that are handled individually rather than collectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

55%

News & Media

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a case by case" is a staple of precise English, particularly in administrative and academic settings. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it almost always precedes the word "basis" to form a complete prepositional phrase. One critical nuance is hyphenation: while the query omits them, professional standards like those in The New York Times and Harvard University publications consistently use hyphens when the phrase acts as an adjective (e.g., "case-by-case basis"). Whether you are discussing admissions, legal rulings or scientific data synthesis, this expression provides a necessary layer of detail that suggests a thorough and tailored approach to problem-solving. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency and correctness across all authoritative domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a case-by-case basis

Adds the noun basis to complete the common idiom and uses standard adjectival hyphenation

on an individual basis

Uses more formal vocabulary to emphasize the separation of instances

individually

A concise adverbial single-word alternative

on its own merits

Focuses on the quality or characteristics of each specific case

on a case-specific basis

Narrower focus that emphasizes the specific details of the instance

separately

Broadly emphasizes the lack of connection between decisions

one by one

A more common or narrative way to describe sequential processing

specifically for each instance

More descriptive and less idiomatic but carries the same weight

item by item

Usually used for objects or lists rather than abstract situations or people

piece by piece

Suggests a gradual or incremental process rather than a decision-making one

FAQs

Is it correct to say "on a case by case"?

Yes, it is entirely correct and widely used in formal writing. Most style guides prefer adding hyphens when it modifies a noun, as in a "case-by-case basis".

What is a formal alternative to "on a case by case"?

You can use a phrase like "on an individual basis" or simply the adverb "individually" to achieve a similar meaning.

Should I use hyphens in "on a case by case"?

If the phrase comes before the noun it describes, such as "case-by-case analysis", use hyphens. If it follows a verb, such as "we review them on a case by case basis", hyphens are less strictly required but still common.

What does it mean to decide something "on a case by case" basis?

It means that each situation is judged according to its own unique facts and circumstances rather than following a rigid or universal rule for everyone.