To make a case for
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Wörtlich: To build a legal box/argument for a specific topic
Use this phrase when you want to present a logical, structured argument to convince someone to take action.
In 15 Sekunden
- Presenting logical reasons to support a specific choice or idea.
- Using evidence to persuade someone to agree with your position.
- A professional-sounding way to say 'here is why I am right'.
Bedeutung
When you 'make a case for' something, you are giving a bunch of good reasons why a specific idea or action should be chosen. It’s like being a lawyer for your own ideas, trying to convince someone that your way is the best way.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6In a business meeting
I'd like to make a case for increasing our social media budget this quarter.
I want to explain why we should spend more money on social media.
Talking to a partner about a pet
He spent an hour making a case for why we should adopt a golden retriever.
He gave many reasons why we need that specific dog.
Texting a friend about a movie
I'm making a case for a movie marathon tonight—I've got popcorn and the 4K versions!
I'm trying to convince you we should watch movies all night.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is deeply rooted in the Anglo-American adversarial legal system, where truth is found through competing arguments. It reflects a Western cultural emphasis on 'pitching' ideas and using logical persuasion to achieve personal or professional goals. It rose to prominence in the mid-20th century as corporate culture began to adopt legalistic language for business strategy.
The 'Evidence' Secret
To sound really native, follow up your 'case' with the word 'based'. For example: 'I'm making a case for this plan based on last year's data.'
Don't 'Do' a Case
Avoid saying 'do a case' or 'give a case.' The verb is almost always 'make' or 'build.' Using the wrong verb will sound unnatural.
In 15 Sekunden
- Presenting logical reasons to support a specific choice or idea.
- Using evidence to persuade someone to agree with your position.
- A professional-sounding way to say 'here is why I am right'.
What It Means
Imagine you are standing in front of your friends. You want to go to a specific pizza place. You don't just say 'let's go.' You explain why: the crust is crispy, it is cheap, and it is close by. You are building a solid wall of reasons. That wall is your case. When you make a case for that pizza, you are presenting your evidence to win the debate.
How To Use It
Use this phrase when you want to persuade someone. You usually follow it with a noun or a gerund (an -ing verb). For example, you can make a case for a pay raise or make a case for staying home. It sounds smarter than just saying 'I want.' It shows you have actually thought about your reasons. It’s like putting on a suit for your brain.
When To Use It
This is perfect for work meetings when you have a new project. Use it when talking to your partner about buying a new car. It works great in essays or debates. It is a 'power phrase.' It makes you sound organized and logical. Use it when the stakes are a little high and you need to be convincing.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, obvious things. If you want a glass of water, don't say 'I'd like to make a case for hydration.' That’s just weird. Also, avoid it if you are angry. It is a logical phrase, not an emotional one. If you are shouting, the 'case' is already lost. Save it for when you can speak calmly.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the legal world. In a courtroom, a lawyer 'presents a case' to a judge. English speakers love using legal metaphors in daily life. It reflects a culture that values individual arguments and 'selling' your ideas. It became popular because it sounds professional but isn't too stiff for a coffee shop chat.
Common Variations
Sometimes people say build a case for if they are still gathering evidence. If the argument is very strong, you might hear a compelling case. If it's weak, it’s a thin case. You can also make a case against something if you want to stop it from happening. It’s a very flexible tool for your vocabulary toolbox.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is highly versatile across all registers. In professional settings, it suggests preparation; in casual settings, it can be used ironically to make a trivial point sound more important.
The 'Evidence' Secret
To sound really native, follow up your 'case' with the word 'based'. For example: 'I'm making a case for this plan based on last year's data.'
Don't 'Do' a Case
Avoid saying 'do a case' or 'give a case.' The verb is almost always 'make' or 'build.' Using the wrong verb will sound unnatural.
The Lawyer Vibe
Using this phrase signals that you are ready for a civilized debate. It tells people: 'I have facts, not just feelings.'
Beispiele
6I'd like to make a case for increasing our social media budget this quarter.
I want to explain why we should spend more money on social media.
Shows professional preparation and logical thinking.
He spent an hour making a case for why we should adopt a golden retriever.
He gave many reasons why we need that specific dog.
Used here to show a persistent but structured request.
I'm making a case for a movie marathon tonight—I've got popcorn and the 4K versions!
I'm trying to convince you we should watch movies all night.
Casual use, showing the 'evidence' (popcorn) to entice the friend.
Don't try to make a case for pineapple on pizza; it's just wrong.
Don't try to argue that pineapple belongs on pizza.
Using formal language for a silly, subjective topic for comedic effect.
She made a compelling case for moving to the countryside to improve her health.
She gave very strong reasons for moving to the country.
Focuses on the emotional and logical weight of the decision.
Historians often make a case for her being the most influential leader of that era.
Historians argue that she was the most important leader.
Academic context showing evidence-based claims.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
If you want that promotion, you need to make a case ___ yourself during the review.
We always 'make a case FOR' the thing or person we are supporting.
Select the best verb to complete the professional expression.
The consultant is going to ___ a case for restructuring the department.
'Make a case' is the standard collocation used in English.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum
Talking to friends about dinner.
Let me make a case for tacos.
Discussing a plan with a coworker.
I'll make a case for the new software.
Presenting to a board of directors.
We must make a case for global expansion.
When to Make a Case
Job Interview
Making a case for your skills.
Travel Planning
Making a case for visiting Japan.
Parenting
A kid making a case for a later bedtime.
Academic Writing
Making a case for a new scientific theory.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot at all! While it sounds like law, we use it for everything from choosing a movie to asking for a raise in a job.
Yes, you can make a case for someone. For example, 'I'm making a case for Sarah to be the new manager.'
Make a case sounds much more organized and less aggressive than argue. It implies you have a list of reasons ready.
Yes, it's common in casual texts, especially when you are trying to be playfully persuasive with friends.
It is neutral. It is safe for a CEO but also fine for a conversation at a bar with your best friend.
Absolutely. To make a case against something means you are giving reasons why it should NOT happen.
A compelling case is an argument so strong and interesting that it is very hard to disagree with.
Building a case usually refers to the process of gathering evidence before you actually present your argument.
Yes, using 'the' instead of 'a' implies that there is one specific, well-known argument you are presenting.
Using it for simple preferences. Don't say 'I'm making a case for the blue shirt' if you just like the color; it's too heavy for that.
Verwandte Redewendungen
To advocate for
To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.
To pitch an idea
To present an idea to someone in hopes of them buying or supporting it.
To lay out the reasons
To explain the logic or facts behind a decision clearly.
To hold a candle to
Used in the negative to say something isn't as good as the thing you are making a case for.
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