case
A case can refer to a physical container like a suitcase or box used for carrying and protecting items. It can also mean a specific example, situation, or instance of something happening, especially in legal or medical contexts.
Examples
3 of 5I packed my clothes into the large case before going to the airport.
I put my garments inside the big suitcase before traveling.
The police are currently investigating a serious case of identity theft.
The authorities are looking into a specific instance of stolen identity.
If you are tired, in that case, we should stay home tonight.
If you feel sleepy, then for that reason, we won't go out.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Suitcase' filled with different 'Situations'—both are types of 'Cases'.
Quick Quiz
Take your jacket with you ____ it gets cold later.
Correct!
The correct answer is: in case
Examples
I packed my clothes into the large case before going to the airport.
everydayI put my garments inside the big suitcase before traveling.
The police are currently investigating a serious case of identity theft.
formalThe authorities are looking into a specific instance of stolen identity.
If you are tired, in that case, we should stay home tonight.
informalIf you feel sleepy, then for that reason, we won't go out.
Researchers presented a case study to explain the rare weather pattern.
academicScientists showed a specific example to describe the unusual weather.
We need to build a strong business case for the new marketing budget.
businessWe must provide good reasons why we need the new advertising money.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in case of
if a particular thing happens (usually for emergencies)
in any case
whatever happens or regardless of the situation
make a case for
to give reasons why something should be done
Often Confused With
A cause is a reason why something happens, whereas a case is a situation or a container.
A crate is a large wooden box for shipping, while a case is usually smaller or a more general term for a container.
Usage Notes
At the A2 level, 'case' is most commonly used to talk about bags (suitcases) or the phrase 'in case'. Be careful not to confuse the physical object with the abstract meaning of 'situation'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'in case' followed by 'will' (e.g., 'in case it will rain'). You should use the present tense instead: 'in case it rains'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Suitcase' filled with different 'Situations'—both are types of 'Cases'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'casus', meaning 'a falling' or 'an event', and the Old French 'cas'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
Take your jacket with you ____ it gets cold later.
Correct!
The correct answer is: in case
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Luggage refers to the bags, suitcases, and containers that h...
folderA folder is a digital container on a computer used to store...
evidenceInformation or objects that help to prove something is true...
trialA formal process in a court of law to decide if someone is g...
boxDescribing something that has the shape of a box or is conta...
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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