Prepositional Phrases with Case: These phrases are very common in English and are used in many situations. Understanding them will help you improve your speaking, writing, and comprehension skills. You will learn the meanings of different phrases like in case, in any case, a case of, and others. Each phrase has a specific meaning and can be used in different situations to make your English sound more natural and fluent.
This lesson is easy to follow and includes clear explanations and examples for each phrase. By learning these phrases, you will know how to express ideas like possibilities, examples, and special cases. For example, you will learn how to use just in case to talk about being prepared for something unexpected or a case in point to give an example of a situation. We will also add extra examples so you can see how these phrases work in real conversations or writing.
By the end of this lesson, you will feel more confident using these phrases in everyday English. You will understand how to express yourself better and sound more professional or casual, depending on the situation. This will help you in your studies, at work, or when talking with friends. Let’s get started and explore how to use case in different ways to make your English even better!
Definition of “Case”
The word case can have various meanings depending on the context. It may refer to:
- A situation or instance of a particular type.
- This is a clear case of negligence.
- An example that serves to illustrate or explain something.
- Many doctors point to this as a case of medical success.
- A legal matter or investigation.
- The lawyer is working on a high-profile criminal case.
- A container or box designed for a specific purpose.
- She packed her belongings in a sturdy case.
List of Prepositional Phrases with Case
Now, let’s explore how case is used in prepositional phrases with meanings and examples.
1. (Not) The Case
Meaning: (Not) true.
- If that is the case, then I will be very disappointed.
- It is simply not the case that prison conditions are improving.
- It’s not the case that he failed because he didn’t study—he was sick.
- If it were the case, the results would be very different.
2. (Just) In Case
Meaning: Referring to a possibility of something happening or being needed.
- I don’t think I’ll need any money, but I’ll bring some just in case.
- She brought an umbrella just in case it rained.
- Take a flashlight in case there’s a power outage.
3. In Case Of
Meaning: Used formally to indicate what should happen if something occurs.
- In case of fire, ring the alarm bell.
- In case of an emergency, call this number immediately.
- In case of an accident, follow the evacuation plan.
4. In Any Case
Meaning: Used to emphasize that something is true regardless of other factors.
- I don’t want to go, and in any case, I haven’t been invited.
- There’s no point complaining now—we’re leaving tomorrow in any case.
- The project was delayed, but in any case, it will still be completed this month.
- I was late to the meeting, but in any case, they had already started.
Also Read: 14 Prepositional Phrases with IN
5. In That Case
Meaning: Refers to a specific situation that has been mentioned.
- There’s no coffee left? In that case, I’ll have tea.
- You’re late again? Oh, fine. In that case, just meet me at the restaurant.
- If you don’t want to go, in that case, I’ll cancel the reservation.
- We don’t have enough supplies? In that case, we’ll have to postpone.
6. In This Case
Meaning: Refers to a situation that is currently happening.
- We don’t usually accept late applications, but in this case, we will make an exception.
- Usually, employees must follow the procedure, but in this case, we allowed a deviation.
- The rules are strict, but in this case, we might offer some flexibility.
7. A Case in Point
Meaning: A clear example of the problem or situation being discussed.
- Many professions feel they deserve higher pay, and nurses are a case in point.
- Online fraud is increasing; a case in point is the recent phishing scam.
- Global warming is affecting wildlife; the polar bears are a case in point.
8. On/Off Somebody’s Case
Meaning: (Informal) Refers to someone frequently criticizing or telling another what to do.
- She’s always on my case about the clothes I wear.
- Get off my case! I’m working as hard as I can!
- Why are you always on my case about cleaning my room?
- He was on her case about submitting the report early.
Also Read: 12 Essential Phrases with ‘Once’
9. In the Case Of
Meaning: In connection with someone or something; regarding a specific situation.
- The law will apply equally to men and women except in the case of maternity leave.
- In the case of a missing document, please contact the office immediately.
- The rule applies to all employees, except in the case of medical emergencies.
10. As/Whatever the Case May Be
Meaning: Refers to one of the possible stated situations.
- When the election is called in April, or June, whatever the case might be, we shall be ready for it.
- There may be an announcement about this tomorrow—or not, as the case may be.
- We’ll attend the meeting on Tuesday or Wednesday, as the case may be.
- Whatever the case may be, we need to find a solution soon.
11. A Case Of
Meaning: Refers to a situation of a particular type.
- She doesn’t want to work full-time; it’s a case of having to.
- This isn’t a case of laziness; it’s a case of exhaustion.
- It’s a case of misunderstanding, not disobedience.
12. A Classic Case Of
Meaning: Refers to a typical example of something.
- They have a classic case of sibling rivalry.
- This is a classic case of overthinking leading to mistakes.
- The symptoms indicate a classic case of the flu.
Prepositional Phrases with Case
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