textbook case

USAGE SUMMARY

"textbook case" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a situation or example that is clear-cut and follows established patterns. For example, "This legal dispute was a textbook case of a breach of contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was a textbook case.

The New York Times

I'm a textbook case.

The Guardian

Skateboarding is a textbook case.

The New York Times

"This is a textbook case.

The Times

That's a textbook case of partnering.

Harvard Business Review

"Sounds like a textbook case," he commented.

The New York Times - Health

It's a textbook case of how not to manage conflict".

The New York Times

"It was a textbook case," he told me recently.

The New York Times

Denmark's sluggish response was a textbook case of muddled policy.

The Economist

Grubman's accident is a textbook case of pedal error.

The New Yorker

It is a textbook case of Washington dysfunction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "textbook case" to emphasize that something is a clear and easily understood example of a principle, situation, or phenomenon. It adds credibility and authority to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "textbook case" too casually in informal settings. It can sound overly academic or pretentious when a simpler term like "good example" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "textbook case" primarily functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, indicating that the noun is a clear and typical example of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "textbook case" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that serves to highlight a clear and typical example. Ludwig AI validates its use across numerous reputable sources, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to professional contexts, where its emphasis on clarity and typicality can be most effective. Alternatives such as "classic example" or "prime example" can be used to modulate the tone depending on the specific context. As a practical tip, use "textbook case" to add authority to your writing, but avoid overuse in informal settings where it may sound pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

classic example

This alternative replaces "textbook" with "classic", emphasizing the traditional and well-known nature of the example.

prime example

This option substitutes "textbook" with "prime", highlighting the example's excellence or best quality.

typical instance

This phrase uses "typical instance" instead of "textbook case", focusing on the representative nature of the example.

perfect illustration

Replaces "textbook case" to highlight how well something demonstrates a principle or idea.

model situation

Using "model situation" suggests that the case is exemplary and worthy of imitation.

ideal scenario

Changes the context to describe something as a perfect example of a particular situation.

clear-cut case

This variation focuses on the unambiguous and straightforward nature of the example.

representative example

This alternative highlights that the example is typical and portrays the characteristics of a larger group.

classic instance

Similar to "classic example", this phrase emphasizes the long-standing and recognized quality of the instance.

showcase example

Replaces "textbook" with "showcase" to emphasize the act of exhibiting something as a prime example.

FAQs

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

You can use "textbook case" to describe a situation that clearly exemplifies a particular principle or concept. For example, "The company's failure to adapt to new technologies is a textbook case of market stagnation."

What is another way to say "textbook case"?

Alternatives to "textbook case" include "classic example", "prime example", or "typical instance" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "textbook case" a formal expression?

Yes, "textbook case" is generally considered a formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. It is less appropriate for casual conversation.

What does it mean when something is described as a "textbook case"?

When something is described as a "textbook case", it means that it is a clear and well-defined example that illustrates a particular principle or concept, often in a way that is easy to understand and analyze.