suffered a case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffered a case" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where someone is discussing experiencing a particular condition or situation, but it would need to be clarified for better understanding. Example: "After the storm, many residents suffered a case of severe anxiety due to the destruction of their homes."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It has handsome designs, Tchaikovsky's score and some strong dancing, but suffered a case of first-night nerves.

Independent

Both would have been far better off if they only suffered a case of N.F.L.-inspired whiplash.

The New York Times - Sports

At 3 24 p.m. their phones rang, signaling that the date hunting could begin, but the crowd suffered a case of mass jitters.

The New York Times

Even Margaret Hodge – the culture minister who suffered a case of foot-in-mouth this year when she claimed that people of different backgrounds didn't feel "at ease" at the Proms – should be pleased by that.

Independent

Brett departed for the Western Front in November 1917 but suffered a case of appendicitis, resulting in the loss of his flight status.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Just as the film was in preproduction, Mr. Lawrence suffered a debilitating case of heat stroke after jogging in a sweat suit near his San Fernando Valley home.

The New York Times

One woman had already suffered a serious case of food poisoning after eating the meal.

Independent

"But I could be biased," said Ms. Arnold, who suffered a painful case of shingles that began in September 2004 and has only recently subsided.

The New York Times - Health

(Although it has not suffered a single case of Ebola, it is close to Guinea, one of the most affected countries).

The Economist

The United Nations was locked down, security at government buildings and nuclear plants was tightened and a city traumatized by terrorism suffered a bad case of the jitters yesterday after the American Airlines jetliner crashed in Queens.

The New York Times

On our first visit, our server recited the specials without the prices and had we ordered one, linguine with shaved truffles, we would have suffered a bad case of sticker shock at the price of $48.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suffered a case of", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific condition or problem being experienced to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The company suffered a case of declining sales due to the new competition" provides clear context.

Common error

Avoid using "suffered a case of" for trivial situations. This phrase is more appropriate for significant or genuinely problematic circumstances. Instead of saying "He suffered a case of mild boredom", opt for simpler alternatives like "He was slightly bored".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffered a case" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something experienced a specific instance of a negative condition or ailment. Ludwig examples show its use in describing experiences ranging from first-night nerves to appendicitis and heat stroke.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

21%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suffered a case" is an acceptable, though not exceedingly common, way to describe experiencing a negative condition or event. Ludwig AI suggests it's best used in neutral contexts, like news reports, to depict significant, undesirable situations. While grammatically sound, simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings. Remember to ensure clarity by providing the specific condition that someone or something "suffered a case" of. The phrase should not be used for trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experienced an instance of

Replaces "suffered" with a more neutral term and "case" with a more general term for an event.

had a bout of

Indicates a limited period of suffering, implying a temporary affliction.

contracted a form of

Emphasizes the acquisition of a disease or condition.

developed a condition of

Focuses on the gradual onset of a health problem.

underwent a period of

Suggests a more prolonged and potentially difficult experience.

was afflicted with

Highlights the negative impact and suffering associated with the condition.

encountered a situation involving

Shifts the focus from suffering to a more general experience of a situation.

went through an episode of

Implies a distinct and time-limited occurrence.

presented with symptoms of

Describes the manifestation of specific symptoms related to a condition.

evinced signs of

Highlights observable indications of a particular state or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "suffered a case" in a sentence?

Use "suffered a case" to describe experiencing a specific instance of a negative condition or ailment. For example, "The town "suffered a case" of widespread flooding after the heavy rains".

What are some alternatives to "suffered a case"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "experienced an instance of", "had a bout of", or "contracted a form of".

Is it always appropriate to use "suffered a case of"?

No, it's not always appropriate. This phrase is best used for significant negative conditions or events. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences or trivial situations. For example, "He "suffered a case" of mild boredom" is an inappropriate use.

What does it imply when someone "suffered a case" of something?

It implies that they experienced a specific instance or occurrence of a negative condition, ailment, or situation. The severity of the suffering can vary, but the phrase generally suggests something undesirable was experienced. It is important to have clarity when using this phrase.