case
case — verb
1. to go to a place and watch it carefully beforehand in order to plan a robbery or
to go to a place and watch it carefully beforehand in order to plan a robbery or other crime there.
The thieves spent three days casing the jewellery store before breaking in.
collocation: case + store / building / house
Hari was caught casing a house in the neighbourhood late at night.
passive: be caught casing [place]
Romi and her partner cased the bank on Friday to study the security cameras.
Two men cased the shopping centre car park looking for unlocked cars.
collocation: case + car park
According to the report, the gang cased several shops before choosing the electronics store.
- case a joint
- case the place
- case a building
- case a house
- case a bank
- case a store
- case a neighbourhood
- reconnoitre
more formal and military-oriented; broader scope beyond crime
- scout out
similar meaning but neutral — can be used for any kind of advance exploration
- stake out
focuses on watching from a fixed position, often done by police rather than criminals
Grammar Patterns
case + noun phrase (a physical location)
Usage Note
The object is always a physical location (a building, street, or neighbourhood). Frequently used in continuous tenses or with durative time expressions. The subject is typically a thief, robber, or gang — using this verb for legitimate inspection sounds unnatural.
Common Mistakes
case — noun
1. a particular event, situation, or example that belongs to a broader category of
a particular event, situation, or example that belongs to a broader category of things like it.
The doctor described a case where the medicine cured a rare disease.
a case where + clause for a specific instance
In each case, the manager gave the new employees a detailed training plan.
in each case — referring to every instance
This is a clear case of unfair treatment in the workplace.
There were several cases of passengers missing their flights due to the storm.
Jiwoo found a case in the medical journal that matched her patient's symptoms exactly.
- a case of
- in the case of
- in each case
- in some cases
- a classic case
- a clear case
Grammar Patterns
a case of [something]
in the case of [someone/something]
2. used to introduce what happens or what should be done as a result of a situation
used to introduce what happens or what should be done as a result of a situation that has just been mentioned.
Yumi cannot come to the meeting. In that case, we should reschedule it for next week.
in that case — introducing a logical consequence
If you have never used this software before, in that case I can show you how it works.
The flight might be cancelled due to the snowstorm. In that case, the airline will offer hotel rooms.
Dahlia said she does not eat meat. In that case, I will order a vegetarian dish for her.
- in that case
- in which case
- if so
more informal and shorter
- then
simpler but less precise — 'then' can also indicate time
- under those circumstances
more formal and longer
Grammar Patterns
in that case
in which case
Usage Note
Always used within the fixed phrases 'in that case' or 'in which case.' Typically begins a new clause or sentence and refers back to something already stated.
Common Mistakes
3. what is really true, especially when people have made a wrong assumption about i
what is really true, especially when people have made a wrong assumption about it.
Many people think the store is closed on Sundays, but that is not the case.
that is not the case — denying a belief
If that is the case, we need to come up with a different plan right away.
The newspaper reported that the school would close, but this was not the case.
Pedro thought the train had already left, but that was not the case — it was delayed by an hour.
The manager assumed the project was behind schedule. This being the case, she asked the team for a progress report.
this being the case — formal phrase acknowledging the situation
- not the case
- that is the case
- if that is the case
- being the case
- such being the case
- pretence
refers to a false appearance, not an actual situation
Grammar Patterns
that is not the case
if that is the case
this being the case
Usage Note
Nearly always used in fixed expressions with a negative or conditional structure: 'that is not the case,' 'if that is the case,' 'this being the case.' Almost never used as a standalone countable noun in this meaning.
Common Mistakes
4. used to say that a statement remains true or an action will happen no matter wha
used to say that a statement remains true or an action will happen no matter what other circumstances exist.
The weather forecast looks bad, but in any case we will hold the wedding outdoors.
in any case — regardless of circumstances
I am not sure if Kabir will accept the offer. In any case, we should send it today.
The project may cost more than expected. In any case, the team must finish it by the deadline.
Dewi might not agree with the proposal. In any case, we have to present it at the board meeting.
- in any case
- anyway
more informal and common in everyday speech
- regardless
emphasises that circumstances do not change the outcome
- nevertheless
more formal — often introduces a contrasting point
Grammar Patterns
in any case
Usage Note
A fixed phrase that functions as a sentence connector. It can appear at the start of a sentence or clause, or less commonly at the end. Similar to 'anyway' but slightly more formal.
Common Mistakes
5. as a way of being prepared for the possibility that something might happen, so t
as a way of being prepared for the possibility that something might happen, so that you are ready if it does.
Take an umbrella in case it rains later this afternoon.
in case + present tense clause for precaution
Bilal always keeps a spare phone charger in his bag in case the battery dies.
Elena wrote down the address in case she forgot the way to the restaurant.
I packed a few snacks in case the kids got hungry during the long car ride.
Meera saved her work every few minutes in case the computer crashed unexpectedly.
- in case
- just in case
- in case + subject + verb
- just to be safe
more informal and conversational
- lest
formal and old-fashioned — rarely used in everyday speech
Grammar Patterns
in case + clause (present tense)
just in case
Usage Note
Followed by a clause with a present or past tense verb. Do not use 'will' or 'would' after 'in case.' In British English, 'in case' can also mean 'because of a possibility' (e.g., 'I bought milk in case you want some'). In American English, this usage is less common.
Common Mistakes
6. used in official instructions or planning to indicate what to do when a particul
used in official instructions or planning to indicate what to do when a particular situation arises.
In case of fire, use the stairs and do not use the lift.
in case of + noun phrase in official instructions
The hotel provides a first-aid kit in the lobby in case of minor injuries.
In case of an emergency, please call this number immediately for assistance.
The school keeps a supply of bottled water in case of a water shortage.
- in case of
- in case of emergency
- in case of fire
- in case of need
- in the event of
equally formal; interchangeable in most contexts
- if
simpler and more general, but less precise for precautionary contexts
Grammar Patterns
in case of + noun phrase
Usage Note
Followed by a noun phrase, not a clause. Common on warning signs, safety instructions, and official documents. More formal than 'in case' + clause (sense 5).
Common Mistakes
7. used to introduce the specific person, thing, or situation that you are talking
used to introduce the specific person, thing, or situation that you are talking about when making a statement or comparing two things.
In the case of Eli, the school provided extra help with his reading.
fixed phrase: in the case of + person
The rules are different in the case of students from other countries.
Dewi received a scholarship, but in the case of her brother, no funding was available.
comparing two people with 'in the case of'
In the case of old buildings, owners must follow strict safety rules.
The doctor recommended rest, but in the case of a fever, call the clinic immediately.
- regarding
more formal; used in writing rather than speech
- concerning
formal; common in official documents
- when it comes to
less formal; used in everyday conversation
Usage Note
Typically appears in the fixed phrase 'in the case of' followed by a noun phrase. Do not confuse with 'in case of' (meaning 'if something happens').
Common Mistakes
8. a particular type of situation or event that has a specific character, cause, or
a particular type of situation or event that has a specific character, cause, or explanation.
The missing money turned out to be a clear case of theft.
a case of + crime/problem noun
Doctors described her illness as a rare case of lung infection.
Renata's situation was a classic case of too much work and not enough sleep.
classic case of + problem
The judge declared it was a case of mistaken identity.
This is not a case of laziness — the team simply needs better training.
- classic case of
- clear case of
- case of mistaken identity
- rare case of
- obvious case of
Usage Note
Often follows the pattern 'a case of + noun phrase' to describe a situation's type or cause. Frequently used with adjectives such as 'classic', 'clear', 'obvious', 'rare'.
Common Mistakes
9. an event or set of circumstances that clearly illustrates a more general situati
an event or set of circumstances that clearly illustrates a more general situation, problem, or argument.
Mira's success is a case in point — hard work really does pay off.
fixed phrase: a case in point
Some staff dislike the new policy, and Sahil's complaint is a case in point.
The recent flooding is a clear case of how climate change affects local communities.
Felix's experience is a case that shows how unsafe some workplaces can be.
a case that shows + clause
- a case in point
- a clear case of
- a perfect case of
- illustration
more formal; used in academic or professional writing
- instance
emphasises one specific occurrence within a pattern
- example
the everyday word for a representative instance
Usage Note
Commonly appears in the fixed expression 'a case in point', meaning 'a good example of what I am talking about'. Can also appear as 'a clear case of' followed by a description.
10. used to say that a situation is exactly the same as another situation that has a
used to say that a situation is exactly the same as another situation that has already been mentioned or is well known.
Many young people move to cities for jobs, as is the case with Daichi.
as is the case with + person
As is often the case, the simplest solution turned out to be the best one.
as is often the case
The company hired new staff, as was the case with its main competitor last year.
as was the case with + noun (past tense)
As is the case in many countries, online shopping is growing fast here too.
Stephanie passed the exam easily, as is usually the case with well-prepared students.
- similarly
adverb; used to draw a parallel between two situations
- likewise
more formal; indicates the same applies
- the same goes for
less formal; used in conversation
- by contrast
used to show that the opposite is true
Usage Note
Typically used in fixed expressions such as 'as is the case', 'as is often the case', 'as was the case'. These clauses are non-restrictive — they add information without defining the subject.
Common Mistakes
11. indicates that the same conclusion follows regardless of which specific scenario
indicates that the same conclusion follows regardless of which specific scenario from a stated set actually occurs.
In either case, you will receive a full refund for your ticket.
fixed phrase: in either case
Christopher might come tomorrow or Thursday; in either case we will start the meeting without him.
in either case — whichever of two options
Hui can take the train or the bus; in either case, she arrives by noon.
The weather may be rainy or windy; in either case the wedding will go ahead.
Defne may arrive by bus or by train; in either case, save her a seat near the front.
- regardless
adverb; shorter and more direct
- anyway
less formal; common in spoken English
- either way
informal; used when two possibilities exist
Usage Note
Appears in fixed phrases such as 'in any case', 'in either case', and 'in that case'. 'In any case' and 'in either case' are discourse markers that connect back to previous information.
Common Mistakes
12. a situation, crime, medical condition, or individual that requires professional
a situation, crime, medical condition, or individual that requires professional attention from authorities such as police, doctors, or social workers.
The police are investigating a case of stolen goods from the warehouse.
case + of + crime (police context)
Élise is the doctor handling the case of a young patient with a rare infection.
The social worker took on the case of a family needing emergency housing.
Rafael's case of food poisoning kept him in hospital for three days.
possessive: [person]'s case of + illness
The detective assigned to the case questioned several witnesses yesterday.
- investigate a case
- handle a case
- take on a case
- a case of theft/fraud/murder
- assigned to a case
Usage Note
Frequently used in professional contexts (police, medical, legal, social work). Often modified by an adjective or noun that specifies the type: 'murder case', 'flu case', 'child-protection case'. The grammar code [C] indicates it is a countable noun.
Common Mistakes
13. a dispute or legal issue that a judge or jury examines in order to make a decisi
a dispute or legal issue that a judge or jury examines in order to make a decision according to the law
The Supreme Court will hear the case next Monday morning.
collocation: hear a case (of a court)
Amihan's lawyer argued that the case should be dismissed before trial.
The judge spent several weeks studying the details of the case.
collocation: study / review the details of a case
After a long trial, the court finally closed the case without a final verdict.
- hear a case
- dismiss a case
- win a case
- present a case
- close a case
- lawsuit
more specific — refers to the legal action itself, not just the dispute
- trial
focuses on the court proceedings rather than the legal dispute as a whole
- proceedings
formal term for the activities in a court
Usage Note
Frequently used with verbs like hear, try, decide, dismiss, and close.
Common Mistakes
14. a container, often with a lid, that is used for holding or protecting objects
a container, often with a lid, that is used for holding or protecting objects
Xiu keeps her tools in a plastic case under the workbench.
preposition: in a case; storage context
The museum displays the ancient coins inside a glass case.
display / museum case
Anna packed her camera equipment in a padded protective case.
Meera took the jewellery out of its velvet-lined case and put it on.
- glass case
- display case
- plastic case
- protective case
- pencil case
Usage Note
Often combined with a noun that specifies the contents: pencil case, jewellery case, camera case. Not used for large shipping containers.
Common Mistakes
15. a flat-sided bag with a handle and often wheels, used to carry clothes and belon
a flat-sided bag with a handle and often wheels, used to carry clothes and belongings when travelling
Talia packed her case the night before the flight.
pack a case (for travel)
Karim carried two heavy cases up the stairs to the hotel room.
The airline lost Hugo's case, so he bought new clothes at his destination.
airline loses a case; real-world scenario
Soraya always locks her case before checking it in at the airport.
- pack a case
- unpack a case
- check in a case
- carry a case
Usage Note
In everyday conversation, 'case' often replaces 'suitcase' when the meaning is clear from context. The word 'suitcase' is more precise for a rectangular travel bag.
16. a box designed to contain several bottles of a drink, especially wine, beer, or
a box designed to contain several bottles of a drink, especially wine, beer, or fizzy water, as a single purchase unit
The restaurant ordered a case of red wine for the party.
a case of [drink]: unit of purchase
Arjun brought a case of sparkling water to the picnic.
The couple stored the wine case in the cellar for five years before opening it.
Nala received a case of champagne as a wedding gift.
- a case of wine
- a case of beer
- order a case
- a case of champagne
- crate
usually refers to a larger, sturdier wooden or plastic box
Usage Note
When ordering drinks in large quantities, a case typically holds twelve bottles of wine or twenty-four cans of beer, though amounts vary. 'Case' in this sense refers to both the box and its contents as a single unit.
17. a set of reasons and supporting facts that explain why a particular opinion or c
a set of reasons and supporting facts that explain why a particular opinion or course of action is right
The lawyer built a strong case for her client's innocence.
build / make a case FOR something
Élise presented a convincing case for reducing office waste and paper use.
present a convincing case for [action]
There is a good case for raising the minimum wage in this region.
there is a good case for [something]
The professor made the case that climate change affects global food supplies.
- make a case for
- build a case
- present a case
- strong case
- convincing case
Usage Note
Typically followed by 'for' (supporting a proposal) or 'against' (opposing it). Also takes a that-clause: 'make a case that...'.
Common Mistakes
18. in languages such as German or Latin, the way a word — usually a noun or adjecti
in languages such as German or Latin, the way a word — usually a noun or adjective — changes its ending to signal its role in the sentence, such as being the subject, the object, or the possessor
In German, the word changes its ending depending on the grammatical case.
grammatical case: changes endings in inflected languages
The nominative case marks the subject of the sentence in Latin.
Learning the dative case took Amihan several months of practice.
Latin has six different cases, each with a specific function in the sentence.
counting cases: 'Latin has six cases'
- nominative case
- accusative case
- dative case
- genitive case
- grammatical case
- inflection
broader term covering all kinds of word changes (tense, number, case)
Usage Note
Case systems are found in many language families — including Slavic, Germanic, and Finno-Ugric — but English only marks case on pronouns (I/me/my, who/whom/whose).
19. the way a written character appears — either as a capital (uppercase) letter or
the way a written character appears — either as a capital (uppercase) letter or as a small (lowercase) letter, which changes the visual form but not the sound of the character
Felipe wrote his name with a capital F and the rest in lower case.
collocation: capital [letter] / lower case
In English, the first word of every sentence must begin with an upper case letter.
collocation: upper case letter
The password is case-sensitive, so check whether each letter is capital or small.
compound: case-sensitive
Mayumi noticed the sign used the wrong case — the whole word was in capitals.
When typing an email address, the case of the letters usually does not matter.
- upper case
- lower case
- capital letter
- small letter
- change case
- wrong case
- case-sensitive
- capitalization
refers to the system or practice of using capital letters, while 'case' distinguishes between the two forms
- letter case
a more technical term used in typography and computing
Usage Note
Most commonly used in the phrases 'upper case' and 'lower case'. The compound 'case-sensitive' is common in computing contexts.
Common Mistakes
as the case may be
idiomUsed to indicate that which possibility is true depends on the situation.
We might go to the beach or the mountains, as the case may be.
The meeting could be on Monday or Tuesday, as the case may be.
To constantly criticize or nag someone.
My boss is always on my case about being late.
Why are you on his case about his grades?
be on the case
idiomTo be handling a particular matter, especially a criminal investigation.
Detective Lee is on the case and will find the thief.
The IT team is on the case and fixing the server.
a case in point
idiomA clear example that shows what you are talking about.
Many students struggle with math; Tom is a case in point.
Some cities have great public transport; London is a case in point.
A situation where people compete fiercely and may harm each other to succeed.
In the startup world, it's often a case of dog eat dog.
The fashion industry is a dog-eat-dog business.
get off my case
idiomTelling someone to stop criticizing or bothering you.
I'll clean my room later, so get off my case!
Get off my case about the project; I'm working on it.
in any case
idiomWhatever happens or has happened; anyway.
It might rain, but in any case we'll have fun.
In any case, we should finish the report today.
(just) in case (…)
idiomBecause something might happen; as a precaution.
Take an umbrella just in case it rains.
I brought extra water in case we get thirsty.
in case of something
idiomIf something happens; used to warn about a possible event.
In case of emergency, call 911 immediately.
In case of fire, use the stairs not the elevator.
in that case
idiomIf that is true or happens; then.
You don't want to go? In that case, I'll stay too.
He's not coming? In that case, we'll start without him.
rest your case
idiomUsed to say that you have finished presenting your argument and believe you have proven your point.
The lawyer said, 'I rest my case' after the evidence.
You admitted you were there; I rest my case.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
All five words refer to something that happens or exists, but they differ in focus. 'Case' is the broadest — it can be a specific event ('a case of food poisoning'), a type of situation ('a classic case'), or a matter being handled ('the detective's case'). 'Instance' is more formal and more precise: it points to one individual occurrence within a category or pattern ('several instances of vandalism'). 'Example' is the word you reach for when the purpose is illustration rather than documentation — you give an example to explain a general rule. 'Situation' includes not just the event but also the surrounding conditions, and often implies a problem or a state that continues over time ('a difficult situation at work'). 'Circumstance' (usually plural 'circumstances') puts the focus on the external factors that surround an event rather than the event itself: 'under the circumstances, we had no choice' (factors, not the event itself). Use 'case' when you need a general word that covers both the event and its context; use 'instance' for a formal count; use 'example' when teaching or illustrating.
Common collocations
Phrases
- in any case
- in that case
- in either case
- in the case of
- a case of
- as is the case
- make a case for
- not the case
Etymology
The modern English word 'case' is actually two different words that merged into the same spelling. The 'situation/event' meanings come from Latin 'cadere' (to fall) → 'casus' (a fall, an event) → Old French 'cas' → Middle English. The 'container' meanings come from a separate Latin word 'capsa' (a box) → Old French 'case' → Middle English. The grammatical-case sense is connected to the 'falling' root — ancient grammarians imagined the nominative form as the 'upright' form, and other cases as 'falling away' from it (a translation of Greek 'ptōsis', literally 'a falling').