state your case

USAGE SUMMARY

"state your case" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to mean "present your argument or evidence in support of your position or opinion." Here are a few examples: 1. During the trial, the lawyer for the defense asked the witness to state their case and explain why they believed the defendant was innocent. 2. In a debate, each participant is given a chance to state their case and provide evidence to support their argument. 3. In a job interview, the interviewer may ask the candidate to state their case for why they are the best fit for the position. 4. When making a complaint to customer service, it is important to state your case clearly and calmly in order to effectively communicate your issue. 5. In an academic essay, the thesis statement is often seen as a way to state the writer's case and outline the main points they will argue throughout the essay.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

In the meeting, you just need to state your case.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here are some ways to state your case.

Harvard Business Review

Pelosi: — you begin, you make your point, you state your case.

The Washington Post

State your case, in writing, to the person's supervisor, then to the claims manager of the company's branch office.

The New York Times

Research the organisation in depth, and outline how your own values align with theirs as a starting point, including examples to state your case.

The Guardian

"The important thing is that he is not unreasonable, you just have to be able to state your case and stand it up.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Can you give an example that states your case?

Harvard University

You can appeal a college's aid decision by asking for a "professional judgment". Do it in writing, stating your case carefully.

Forbes

Even if your job isn't restored, you have stated your case and planted a seed about the supervisor's problematic people skills.

Huffington Post

MIM Tool: "The Book Approach" Source: The Presidential Debates; Books (pretty much all of them) Applications: Sharing important information; Stating your case in a conflict situation.

Huffington Post

In the commission hearing system — the one most widely used in other cities — it's majority rules, and when it comes to stating your case, doesn't that give you better odds?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "state your case", ensure you provide clear, concise and well-supported evidence to strengthen your argument. Avoid emotional appeals or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance or implications of your argument without having adequate data or examples to back it up. Overstatement can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state your case" functions as a directive urging someone to present their argument or viewpoint clearly and persuasively. Ludwig examples show it in scenarios ranging from legal settings to everyday discussions, aiming to articulate a position effectively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state your case" is a versatile phrase that directs someone to clearly present their argument or viewpoint. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news media, academic writing, and everyday conversations. To effectively "state your case", it's crucial to provide clear, concise, and well-supported evidence. Remember to avoid overstatements without sufficient backing to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "present your argument" or "articulate your view" can be used in more formal settings. Always aim to persuade and inform your audience with a logical and coherent presentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make your point

This alternative is more concise and focuses on conveying a specific idea.

present your argument

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the logical structure of the presentation.

make your argument

This alternative is more direct and action-oriented.

lay out your reasons

This alternative focuses on providing the rationale behind a decision or belief.

explain your position

This alternative highlights the act of clarifying one's stance on a particular issue.

articulate your view

This alternative suggests a more eloquent and detailed expression of one's opinion.

offer your perspective

This alternative emphasizes the personal nature of the viewpoint being shared.

voice your opinion

This alternative is more casual and direct, focusing on expressing a belief.

express your thoughts

This alternative broadens the scope to include a wider range of ideas and considerations.

plead your case

This alternative implies a sense of urgency or desperation in presenting one's argument.

FAQs

How can I use "state your case" in a sentence?

You can use "state your case" to describe the act of presenting your argument or position. For instance: "The lawyer allowed the witness to "state their case" before the jury".

What is a more formal way to say "state your case"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "present your argument" or "articulate your view". These options convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it appropriate to use "state your case" in a business setting?

Yes, "state your case" is suitable for business settings when you need to clearly present your reasoning or proposal. It's important to be professional and support your statements with data and logical arguments.

What's the difference between "state your case" and "plead your case"?

"State your case" implies a neutral presentation of facts and arguments, while "plead your case" suggests a more urgent or emotional appeal, often when seeking leniency or understanding.