the case for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the case for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to provide an argument for a particular course of action, opinion, or belief. For example, "This paper presents the case for promoting workplace diversity in tech companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The case for inflation.

The New Yorker

I can make the case for it.

Independent

That's certainly the case for me.

The New York Times

The case for a split is clear.

The Economist

But the case for savings is strong.

The New York Times

This is not the case for Russia.

The Economist

Now the case for smaller government.

Independent

The case for that is far weaker.

The Economist

The case for the French system.

The Economist

Therein lies the case for CSR.

The Economist

Is that the case for women, though?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "the case for" with strong verbs and clear statements to make your argument more compelling. For instance, "We must consider the case for investing in renewable energy sources."

Common error

Avoid using "the case for" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "reasons for" or "why" often sound more natural and less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the case for" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to introduce a formal argument, justification, or rationale. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Many examples show its use in presenting reasons or support for a specific idea or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the case for" is a versatile phrase used to introduce arguments and justifications, and according to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. Predominantly found in formal contexts such as news articles, academic writing, and business reports, its purpose is to present a reasoned argument with the intent of persuasion. While alternatives exist for more informal settings, "the case for" remains a strong choice for structured and evidence-based discussions. Its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its reliability and broad acceptance in formal English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the rationale behind

Replaces "case" with "rationale", focusing on the underlying reasoning.

the justification for

Emphasizes the act of proving something to be right or reasonable.

the reasons for

A more direct and simpler way to express the underlying motivations.

the argument in favor of

Highlights the argumentative aspect, presenting a persuasive stance.

the basis for

Focuses on the foundation or grounds upon which something is based.

the grounds for

Similar to "basis", but can also imply legal or formal reasons.

the support for

Highlights the evidence and backing that exists for an idea or proposal.

the advocacy for

Focuses on actively promoting and defending a particular cause or position.

the plea for

Emphasizes an emotional or urgent appeal for something.

the defense of

Highlights the act of protecting or justifying something against criticism.

FAQs

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

You can use "the case for" to introduce an argument or justification for a particular idea, action, or belief. For example, "This essay will explore the case for universal basic income".

What are some alternatives to "the case for"?

Alternatives include "the rationale behind", "the justification for", or simply "the reasons for". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "the case for" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, using "the case for" in informal settings can sound overly formal. In such contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "why" or "the reasons".

What's the difference between "the case for" and "the argument for"?

"The case for" is slightly broader and can refer to a set of reasons or evidence, while "the argument for" specifically implies a persuasive attempt to convince someone of something.