the case before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the case before" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to refer to a specific situation or matter that is currently being considered or discussed. Example: "In the case before the court, the evidence presented was deemed insufficient to support the claims made by the plaintiff."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That wasn't the case before," he said.

The New York Times

That was not the case before".

The New York Times

That seemed the case before tip-off.

The New York Times - Sports

The case before us is altogether different.

Cornell University

Argue the case before the appellate court.

Harvard University

The case before us presents an illustration.

Harvard University

"That's never been the case before.

The New York Times

It's not been the case before that.

The Guardian

"That's almost never been the case before".

The New York Times - Sports

Finkelstein is not identical to the case before us.

Cornell University

We limit our holding to the case before us.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the case before", ensure the context clearly identifies what "case" you are referring to. If not immediately obvious, provide a brief description or reference.

Common error

Avoid using "the case before" without clearly establishing which case is being referenced. Ambiguity can confuse readers and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the case before" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used to specify the particular situation, legal matter, or issue that is currently under consideration. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used to refer to a specific matter at hand.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the case before" is a prepositional phrase commonly employed to direct focus onto a specific situation, often within legal or academic discussions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts. Its frequent appearance in academic and news sources underscores its importance in structured analysis and reporting. Alternatives include "the matter at hand" or "the present case", depending on the desired level of formality. To ensure clarity, always define which "case" you are referencing to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the matter at hand

More general term; applicable in various contexts beyond legal settings.

the issue before us

Focuses on the specific issue being addressed; suitable for discussions or debates.

the present case

More formal and specifically refers to a legal case being discussed.

the instant case

Highlights the immediacy of the case being considered; commonly used in legal writing.

the aforementioned case

Refers to a case already mentioned; useful for avoiding repetition.

the case in question

Emphasizes that the case is under scrutiny or discussion.

the subject case

Highlights the fact that the case at stake is the main object of the discussion.

the pending case

Indicates that the case is awaiting a decision or resolution.

this particular case

Adds emphasis on the specific nature of the case being discussed.

the current legal proceeding

More formal and broader, encompassing any legal process currently underway.

FAQs

How can I use "the case before" in a sentence?

You can use "the case before" to refer to a specific situation under consideration. For example, "In the "the case before" the court, the evidence was insufficient."

What is a more formal alternative to "the case before"?

A more formal alternative is "the present case", often used in legal documents or academic writing.

How does "the case before" differ from "the matter at hand"?

"The case before" specifically implies a structured situation or legal proceeding. "The matter at hand" is a more general phrase that can refer to any topic being discussed.

Is "the case before us" grammatically correct?

Yes, "the case before us" is grammatically correct and adds emphasis that the case is currently being considered by those involved. You could also phrase it as "the issue before us" or "the matter before us".