Case vs. Example: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 18, 2023
"Case" refers to a specific instance or occurrence, while "Example" is a representative sample or illustration.
Key Differences
A case typically points to a unique or specific situation or event.
Conversely, an example often serves as a general illustration or sample of a broader concept or category.
In medical scenarios, a case can refer to an individual's medical history or condition.
Whereas an example in the same context might be a generalized illustration of symptoms typical to a disease.
In law, a case denotes a specific lawsuit or legal action involving particular parties.
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On the other hand, an example might be a previously decided legal situation used to illustrate a point or principle.
In grammatical terms, a case can refer to the function of a noun or pronoun in a sentence.
However, an example in grammar typically denotes a sample sentence used to demonstrate a rule or pattern.
In research, one might study a particular case to gain in-depth knowledge about a unique situation.
Whereas an example in research might refer to a typical scenario or data point used to illustrate a general trend.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A specific instance or occurrence.
A representative sample or illustration.
Nature
Often unique or specific.
Generalized or typical.
Usage Context
Common in law, medicine, and research.
Found in explanations and demonstrations.
Grammatical Role
Can be a noun, referring to a specific situation.
Typically used as a noun to demonstrate.
Derived Concepts
Casework, case study.
Exemplify, exemplary.
Case and Example Definitions
Case
The grammatical role of a noun or pronoun in a sentence.
In Latin, noun endings change based on case.
Example
One of a number of things, taken to show the character of the whole.
This poem is just an example of her genius.
Case
An instance or occurrence of a particular kind or category
A case of mistaken identity.
Example
A representative sample or illustration.
He gave an example of the word's usage.
Case
An occurrence of a disease or disorder
A mild case of flu.
Example
A precedent or model for imitation.
She set a good example for her younger siblings.
Case
A set of circumstances or a state of affairs; a situation
It may rain, in which case the hike will be canceled.
Example
A punishment serving as a warning to others.
He was made an example of to deter future misconduct.
Case
Actual fact; reality
We suspected the walls were hollow, and this proved to be the case.
Example
One that is representative of a group as a whole
The squirrel, an example of a rodent.
Introduced each new word with examples of its use.
Case
A question or problem; a matter
It is simply a case of honor.
Example
One serving as a pattern of a specific kind
Set a good example by arriving on time.
Case
A situation that requires investigation, especially by a formal or official body.
Example
A similar case that constitutes a model or precedent
A unique episode, without example in maritime history.
Case
An action or a suit or just grounds for an action.
Example
A punishment given as a warning or deterrent
Saw the boy's suspension as an example to all students considering breaking the rules.
Case
The facts or evidence offered in support of a claim.
Example
One that has been given such a punishment
Made an example of the offender.
Case
A set of reasons or supporting facts; an argument
Presented a good case for changing the law.
Example
A problem or exercise used to illustrate a principle or method.
Case
A person being assisted, treated, or studied, as by a physician, lawyer, or social worker.
Example
Something that is representative of all such things in a group.
Case
(Informal) A peculiar or eccentric person; a character.
Example
Something that serves to illustrate or explain a rule.
Case
In traditional grammar, a distinct form of a noun, pronoun, or modifier that is used to express one or more particular syntactic relationships to other words in a sentence.
Example
Something that serves as a pattern of behaviour to be imitated (a good example) or not to be imitated (a bad example).
Nelson Mandela was an example for many to follow.
Case
Case In some varieties of generative grammar, the thematic or semantic role of a noun phrase as represented abstractly but not necessarily indicated overtly in surface structure. In such frameworks, nouns in English have Case even in the absence of inflectional case endings.
Example
A person punished as a warning to others.
Case
A container; a receptacle
A jewelry case.
Meat-filled cases of dough.
Example
A parallel or closely similar case, especially when serving as a precedent or model.
Case
A container with its contents.
Example
An instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate the rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of the rule.
Case
A decorative or protective covering or cover.
Example
To be illustrated or exemplified (by). en
Case
A set or pair
A case of pistols.
Example
One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen.
Case
The frame or framework of a window, door, or stairway.
Example
That which is to be followed or imitated as a model; a pattern or copy.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
I gave, thou sayest, the example; I led the way.
Case
The surface or outer layer of a metal alloy.
Example
That which resembles or corresponds with something else; a precedent; a model.
Such temperate order in so fierce a causeDoth want example.
Case
A shallow compartmented tray for storing type or type matrices.
Example
That which is to be avoided; one selected for punishment and to serve as a warning; a warning.
Hang him; he'll be made an example.
Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Case
The form of a written, printed, or keyed letter that distinguishes it as being lowercase or uppercase
Typed the password using the wrong case.
Example
An instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept, especially a problem to be solved, or a case to be determined, as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science; as, in trigonometry and grammar, the principles and rules are illustrated by examples.
Case
To put into or cover with a case; encase.
Example
To set an example for; to give a precedent for; to exemplify; to give an instance of; to instance.
Burke devoted himself to this duty with a fervid assiduity that has not often been exampled, and has never been surpassed.
Case
(Slang) To examine carefully, as in planning a crime
Cased the bank before robbing it.
Example
An item of information that is representative of a type;
This patient provides a typical example of the syndrome
There is an example on page 10
Case
An actual event, situation, or fact.
For a change, in this case, he was telling the truth.
It is not the case that every unfamiliar phrase is an idiom.
In case of fire, break glass. [sign on fire extinguisher holder in public space]
Example
A representative form or pattern;
I profited from his example
Case
A given condition or state.
Example
Something to be imitated;
An exemplar of success
A model of clarity
He is the very model of a modern major general
Case
A piece of work, specifically defined within a profession.
It was one of the detective's easiest cases.
Social workers should work on a maximum of forty active cases.
The doctor told us of an interesting case he had treated that morning.
Example
Punishment intended as a warning to others;
They decided to make an example of him
Case
(academia) An instance or event as a topic of study.
The teaching consists of theory lessons and case studies.
Example
An occurrence of something;
It was a case of bad judgment
Another instance occurred yesterday
But there is always the famous example of the Smiths
Case
(legal) A legal proceeding, lawsuit.
Example
A task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding;
You must work the examples at the end of each chapter in the textbook
Case
(grammar) A specific inflection of a word (particularly a noun, pronoun, or adjective) depending on its function in the sentence.
The accusative case canonically indicates a direct object.
Latin has six cases, and remnants of a seventh.
Case
Grammatical cases and their meanings taken either as a topic in general or within a specific language.
Jane has been studying case in Caucasian languages.
Latin is a language that employs case.
Case
(medicine) An instance of a specific condition or set of symptoms.
There were another five cases reported overnight.
Case
(programming) A section of code representing one of the actions of a conditional switch.
Case
A box that contains or can contain a number of identical items of manufacture.
Case
A box, sheath, or covering generally.
A case for spectacles; the case of a watch
Case
A piece of luggage that can be used to transport an apparatus such as a sewing machine.
Case
An enclosing frame or casing.
A door case; a window case
Case
A suitcase.
Case
A piece of furniture, constructed partially of transparent glass or plastic, within which items can be displayed.
Case
The outer covering or framework of a piece of apparatus such as a computer.
Case
A shallow tray divided into compartments or "boxes" for holding type, traditionally arranged in sets of two, the "upper case" (containing capitals, small capitals, accented) and "lower case" (small letters, figures, punctuation marks, quadrats, and spaces).
Case
The nature of a piece of alphabetic type, whether a “capital” (upper case) or “small” (lower case) letter.
Case
(poker slang) Four of a kind.
Case
(US) A unit of liquid measure used to measure sales in the beverage industry, equivalent to 192 fluid ounces.
Case
(mining) A small fissure which admits water into the workings.
Case
A thin layer of harder metal on the surface of an object whose deeper metal is allowed to remain soft.
Case
A cardboard box that holds (usually 24) beer bottles or cans.
Case
A counterfeit crown five-shilling coin.
Case
(obsolete) to propose hypothetical cases
Case
(transitive) To place (an item or items of manufacture) into a box, as in preparation for shipment.
Case
(transitive) To cover or protect with, or as if with, a case; to enclose.
Case
To survey (a building or other location) surreptitiously, as in preparation for a robbery.
Case
(poker slang) The last remaining card of a particular rank.
He drew the case eight!
Case
A box, sheath, or covering; as, a case for holding goods; a case for spectacles; the case of a watch; the case (capsule) of a cartridge; a case (cover) for a book.
Case
A box and its contents; the quantity contained in a box; as, a case of goods; a case of instruments.
Case
A shallow tray divided into compartments or "boxes" for holding type.
Case
An inclosing frame; a casing; as, a door case; a window case.
Case
A small fissure which admits water to the workings.
Case
Chance; accident; hap; opportunity.
By aventure, or sort, or cas.
Case
That which befalls, comes, or happens; an event; an instance; a circumstance, or all the circumstances; condition; state of things; affair; as, a strange case; a case of injustice; the case of the Indian tribes.
In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge.
If the case of the man be so with his wife.
And when a lady's in the caseYou know all other things give place.
You think this madness but a common case.
I am in case to justle a constable,
Case
A patient under treatment; an instance of sickness or injury; as, ten cases of fever; also, the history of a disease or injury.
A proper remedy in hypochondriacal cases.
Case
The matters of fact or conditions involved in a suit, as distinguished from the questions of law; a suit or action at law; a cause.
Let us consider the reason of the case, for nothing is law that is not reason.
Not one case in the reports of our courts.
Case
One of the forms, or the inflections or changes of form, of a noun, pronoun, or adjective, which indicate its relation to other words, and in the aggregate constitute its declension; the relation which a noun or pronoun sustains to some other word.
Case is properly a falling off from the nominative or first state of word; the name for which, however, is now, by extension of its signification, applied also to the nominative.
Case
To cover or protect with, or as with, a case; to inclose.
The man who, cased in steel, had passed whole days and nights in the saddle.
Case
To strip the skin from; as, to case a box.
Case
To propose hypothetical cases.
Case
A comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy;
The family brought suit against the landlord
Case
An occurrence of something;
It was a case of bad judgment
Another instance occurred yesterday
But there is always the famous example of the Smiths
Case
A special set of circumstances;
In that event, the first possibility is excluded
It may rain in which case the picnic will be canceled
Case
A problem requiring investigation;
Perry Mason solved the case of the missing heir
Case
The actual state of things;
That was not the case
Case
A statement of facts and reasons used to support an argument;
He stated his case clearly
Case
A portable container for carrying several objects;
The musicians left their instrument cases backstage
Case
A person who is subjected to experimental or other observational procedures; someone who is an object of investigation;
The subjects for this investigation were selected randomly
The cases that we studied were drawn from two different communities
Case
A person requiring professional services;
A typical case was the suburban housewife described by a marriage counselor
Case
The quantity contained in a case
Case
A glass container used to store and display items in a shop or museum or home
Case
A specific state of mind that is temporary;
A case of the jitters
Case
Nouns or pronouns or adjectives (often marked by inflection) related in some way to other words in a sentence
Case
The housing or outer covering of something;
The clock has a walnut case
Case
A person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities);
A real character
A strange character
A friendly eccentric
The capable type
A mental case
Case
An enveloping structure or covering enclosing an animal or plant organ or part
Case
The enclosing frame around a door or window opening;
The casings had rotted away and had to be replaced
Case
Bed linen consisting of a cover for a pillow;
The burglar carried his loot in a pillowcase
Case
Look over, usually with the intention to rob;
They men cased the housed
Case
Enclose in, or as if in, a case;
My feet were encased in mud
Case
An instance or occurrence of a particular kind.
This is a rare case of a blue moon.
Case
A specific lawsuit or legal action.
The case was decided in favor of the plaintiff.
Case
An individual's medical condition or situation.
The patient was a severe case of pneumonia.
Case
A container or protective covering.
She stored her guitar in a hard case.
FAQs
Is every example based on a real case?
Not necessarily; an example can be hypothetical, while a case is often based on real events.
Can one case provide multiple examples?
Yes, a case can present various facets, each serving as an example of different concepts.
How is a case study different from an example study?
A case study delves deep into a specific situation, while an example study might explore typical scenarios.
How is a use case different from an example of use?
A use case details specific interactions, while an example of use illustrates a general application.
Can a real-life example be considered a case?
If the example is specific and detailed, it might be termed a case.
How is a case different from an incident?
An incident is an event, while a case often involves analysis or evaluation. Both can serve as examples.
Why might someone provide an example during a discussion?
An example clarifies or supports a point, just as citing a case offers detailed evidence.
Can a case also be an example?
Yes, a specific case can be used as an example to illustrate a broader concept.
Are there different grammatical cases in English?
English has a limited case system, for example, subjective and objective cases.
Can a case be fictional?
Yes, in literature or hypothetical scenarios, a case can be fictional, presenting an example of a concept.
Is a case always unique?
Not always; while a case is specific, it can be similar to other cases. An example, however, illustrates generalities.
Why are examples important in teaching?
Examples make abstract concepts tangible, just as a case provides detailed insight into a topic.
Are examples always factual?
No, examples can be fictional or hypothetical, while a case typically presents factual information.
Can there be multiple cases within a single study?
Yes, a study can cover multiple cases, each providing different examples or insights.
Do all legal cases set precedents?
No, not all legal cases set precedents, but they can be cited as examples in future cases.
Can examples be subjective?
Yes, examples can carry biases or perspectives, while a case aims for objectivity.
What is a business use case?
It details business processes and interactions, serving as an example of operational scenarios.
Why are examples in textbooks important?
Examples illustrate concepts, much like a case study provides in-depth exploration.
In medicine, can a case be generalized?
A medical case is specific, but findings can be used as examples in broader discussions.
Do examples always need to be explained?
Not always; some examples are self-explanatory, just as some cases are straightforward.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
