special case

USAGE SUMMARY

"special case" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to make a distinction between something that is the norm or typical, and a specific situation that is extraordinary or not easily classified. For example, "This is a special case and requires a unique solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Banking is a special case.

Independent

Mecca is a special case.

The New York Times

But that's a special case.

The New Yorker

Iran is another special case.

The New York Times

Japan is a special case.

The Economist

Sanchez presents a special case.

The New York Times - Sports

It's just special case.

Yale University

But that is a special case.

The Economist

"A Quiet Place" is a special case.

The New York Times

But Giuliani has become a special case.

The New Yorker

But Totonno's is a special case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "special case" to clearly indicate that a particular situation requires different treatment or consideration than what is typically applied. This helps avoid confusion and ensures appropriate handling.

Common error

Avoid labeling every deviation as a "special case", as this can dilute its impact and suggest a lack of standardized processes. Reserve the phrase for truly exceptional instances to maintain its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "special case" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify a situation or instance that deviates from the norm and requires specific consideration or treatment. Ludwig examples demonstrate its application across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "special case" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation that deviates from the norm and requires specific attention. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. Alternative phrases such as "exceptional circumstance" or "unique situation" can be used, but "special case" directly highlights the exceptional nature of the situation and helps ensure appropriate handling. Remember to reserve this term for truly exceptional instances to prevent overuse and maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional circumstance

Replaces "case" with "circumstance", emphasizing the specific conditions that make it unusual.

unique situation

Focuses on the distinctiveness of the situation, making it stand apart from others.

atypical instance

Highlights the non-standard nature of the occurrence.

particular exception

Emphasizes that it's an exception to a general rule or pattern.

outlier

Statistically, indicates a value that deviates significantly from others in the sample.

rare occurrence

Indicates that the situation is infrequent or uncommon.

isolated incident

Highlights the singularity and separateness of the event.

departure from the norm

Emphasizes that the situation does not conform to typical standards or behaviors.

an unusual matter

Replaces case with the word matter, which means a situation or subject.

one-off situation

Highlights that the situation or incident will most likely not happen again.

FAQs

How do I use "special case" in a sentence?

Use "special case" to denote an exception to a general rule or standard. For example, "Due to extenuating circumstances, this application is being treated as a "special case"".

What are some alternatives to "special case"?

Alternatives include "exceptional circumstance", "unique situation", or "atypical instance" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "special case" and "particular case"?

"Special case" implies a higher degree of deviation from the norm, requiring unique handling. "Particular case" refers to a specific instance but doesn't necessarily suggest exceptional treatment.

When is it appropriate to use the term "special case"?

It's appropriate when a situation has unique factors that make standard procedures or rules inadequate or inapplicable. For instance, a medical condition might be considered a "special case" if it presents with unusual symptoms.