English Profile

case · noun

/keɪs/Full view

case (CONTAINER)

A2 C a container for storing or protecting something

Dictionary examples:

a pencil case

a glasses case

Learner example:

You have to bring with you your pencil case, your books and your notebooks. (Key English Test; A2; Greek)

case (BAG)

A2 C a suitcase

Dictionary example:

Shall I carry your case onto the train?

Learner example:

The present was very expensive, it was a black case from Italy. (Key English Test; A2; Arabic)

case (SITUATION)

B1 C a particular situation or example of something

Dictionary examples:

Over fifty people were injured, in several cases seriously.

I wouldn't normally agree but I'll make an exception in this case.

The number of new cases of flu has risen.

We have lots of applications from people who want to study here and in each case we consider the candidate very carefully.

She was suffering from an extreme case of sunburn.

Learner example:

In this case, I suggest that you need to gather your friends and go to ask for it together. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Turkish)

in case of sth

B1 when something happens, or in preparation for when something happens

Dictionary example:

We keep a bucket of water backstage, in case of fire.

Learner example:

It is about how to rescue people in case of an accident or a natural disaster. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

(just) in case

B1 because of a possibility of something happening, being needed, etc.

Dictionary examples:

I don't think I'll need any money but I'll bring some just in case.

Bring a map in case you get lost.

Learner example:

I have my mobile with me just in case. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

be the case

B2 to be true

Dictionary examples:

Bad diet can cause tiredness, but I don't think that's the case here.

I take it that the booking includes breakfast - if that isn't the case, please let us know.

Learner example:

Could you also please let me know if you're coming back in time for dinner because if that's the case I'll make a sp[lendid] dinner for us. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

in any case

B2 used to give another reason for something you are saying, or that you have done

Dictionary example:

I don't want to go and in any case, I haven't been invited.

Learner example:

I suggest that you should in any case leave your car at home and take buses or other public means of transport. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

in that case

B2 because of the mentioned situation

Dictionary example:

There's no coffee left? In that case I'll have tea.

Learner example:

You could try [k]ayaking. In that case, of course, you need to pay for the equipment. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

case (CRIME)

B2 C a crime that police are trying to solve

Dictionary examples:

a murder case

Police in the town have investigated 50 cases of burglary in the past month.

The detective on the case has been suspended from duty.

Learner example:

They succeeded in solving a case too difficult even for the police. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

case (COURT OF LAW)

B2 C a matter to be decided by a judge in a court of law

Dictionary examples:

The case will go before the European Court next month.

She accused her employer of unlawful dismissal and won/lost her case.

Learner example:

To summarize, we lost the case on the ground that he had [a] criminal background and that the girl's testimony wasn't reliable because she was in love with the man, as she confessed herself in court. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

case (ILLNESS)

C2 C an illness, or somebody with an illness

Dictionary example:

4,000 new cases of the disease are diagnosed every year.

Learner example:

Two years ago, Mr Slovac contacted us and told us that John had died of a severe case of malaria. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

case (ARGUMENT)

C2 C arguments, facts, or reasons that prove a particular opinion

Dictionary examples:

There is a strong case for/against bringing in the new legislation.

He put the case for more funding very convincingly.

She was given the opportunity to state her case.

Learner example:

But there are other reasons which help make a case for tourism. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)