specific cases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific cases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to particular instances or examples that are distinct from others. Example: "In specific cases, the rules may be adjusted to accommodate unique circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He declined to discuss specific cases.

The New York Times

Customs won't comment on specific cases.

The New York Times

The report included examples of specific cases addressed in 2007.

The New York Times

But he has avoided commitments to specific cases.

The New York Times

Google officials declined to comment on specific cases.

The New York Times

The Justice Department official declined to comment on specific cases.

The New York Times

Such prescriptions may be useful in the abstract, but are hard to apply to specific cases.

The New York Times

Mr. Atkinson said he could not comment on specific cases, like those in Mr. Hicks's file.

The New York Times

The firm won't discuss specific cases of alleged wrongdoing, citing client confidentiality.

The Guardian

Yet numerous specific cases of civilian casualties have been investigated by journalists, NGOs, lawyers and others.

The Guardian

If so, how would you apply this idea to specific cases?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "specific cases", ensure you provide enough context so the reader understands why these examples are relevant and representative.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions based solely on a few "specific cases". Always acknowledge the limitations of your sample and consider potential counterexamples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific cases" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies particular instances or examples within a broader context. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific cases" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent noun phrase used to denote particular instances or examples. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily to provide concrete evidence or illustration in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific and formal writing. When using "specific cases", ensure sufficient context is provided, and avoid overgeneralizing from limited examples. Related phrases such as "particular instances" or "concrete examples" can be used as alternatives. Remember that Ludwig provides numerous real-world examples to guide effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular instances

Emphasizes the individuality and distinctness of each case.

specified cases

Focuses on the act of explicitly naming or identifying the cases.

distinct examples

Highlights the clear separation and difference between the cases.

concrete examples

Focuses on the tangibility and demonstrability of the cases.

unique situations

Stresses the distinctiveness and non-reproducibility of each case.

certain situations

Highlights the conditional or circumstantial nature of the cases.

precise instances

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness in identifying the cases.

individual circumstances

Underscores the unique set of conditions surrounding each case.

defined scenarios

Implies a clear and well-established set of conditions for each case.

isolated incidents

Implies that the cases are separate and not part of a larger pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "specific cases" in a sentence?

You can use "specific cases" to refer to particular instances or examples, as in, "The study examined several "specific cases" of fraud."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "specific cases"?

Alternatives include "particular instances", "certain situations", or "concrete examples", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "specific cases" or "general cases" in an argument?

It depends on your goal. "Specific cases" provide evidence and illustrate points, while "general cases" offer broader perspectives. Using both can strengthen an argument.

What's the difference between "specific cases" and "case studies"?

"Specific cases" is a broader term referring to particular instances. "Case studies" are in-depth analyses of "specific cases", often used in research and business.