Case vs. Example — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 16, 2024
A case refers to a specific instance or occurrence of something, often used in legal or clinical contexts, while an example illustrates a general principle or concept, often used to clarify or explain.
Difference Between Case and Example
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A case is a particular instance of a situation, condition, or event, often detailed and specific. Cases are commonly found in legal, medical, or academic contexts, where they are analyzed to draw conclusions or understand phenomena. An example, on the other hand, is a representative instance used to illustrate a rule, concept, or idea. Examples are typically used in teaching, writing, and communication to clarify and explain broader principles by providing concrete illustrations.
In legal contexts, a case involves detailed documentation and analysis of a specific situation, such as a court case or a medical case study. Examples in these fields might highlight key aspects of laws or medical conditions without going into the depth that a full case study would.
Cases often involve comprehensive examination and are unique to the specific circumstances they describe. Examples are more general and serve to illuminate a concept or point, often chosen for their ability to clearly convey a particular idea or principle.
While both terms involve instances of something, a case is more in-depth and detailed, focusing on particularities, whereas an example is a simpler, more straightforward illustration meant to aid understanding.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Specific instance or occurrence
Illustrative instance
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Common Usage
Legal, medical, academic contexts
Teaching, writing, communication
Detail Level
Detailed and specific
General and illustrative
Purpose
Analysis and understanding of specific instances
Clarification and explanation of broader concepts
Contexts
Court cases, case studies
Illustrations in explanations, lessons
Uniqueness
Unique to the specific situation
Representative of broader principles
Compare with Definitions
Case
A detailed examination of a particular occurrence.
The lawyer prepared for the court case by gathering evidence.
Example
A thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule
Advertising provides a good example of an industry where dreams have faded
Case
An example used for analytical purposes.
The study included a case of successful treatment using the new drug.
Example
A person or thing regarded in terms of their fitness to be imitated
It is important that parents should set an example
He followed his brother's example and deserted his family
Case
An instance of a particular situation; an example of something occurring
A case of mistaken identity
In many cases farmers do have a deep feeling for their land
Example
Be illustrated or exemplified
The extent of Allied naval support is exampled by the navigational specialists provided
Case
An instance of a disease, injury, or problem
200,000 cases of hepatitis B
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 legal action, especially one to be decided in a court of law
A libel case
A former employee brought the case against the council
Example
One serving as a pattern of a specific kind
Set a good example by arriving on time.
Case
Any of the forms of a noun, adjective, or pronoun that express the semantic relation of the word to other words in the sentence
The accusative case
Example
A similar case that constitutes a model or precedent
A unique episode, without example in maritime history.
Case
A container designed to hold or protect something
A silver cigarette case
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
Each of the two forms, capital or minuscule, in which a letter of the alphabet may be written or printed.
Example
One that has been given such a punishment
Made an example of the offender.
Case
Surround in a material or substance
The towers are of steel cased in granite
Example
A problem or exercise used to illustrate a principle or method.
Case
Reconnoitre (a place) before carrying out a robbery
I was casing the joint
Example
Something that is representative of all such things in a group.
Case
An instance or occurrence of a particular kind or category
A case of mistaken identity.
Example
Something that serves to illustrate or explain a rule.
Case
An occurrence of a disease or disorder
A mild case of flu.
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
A set of circumstances or a state of affairs; a situation
It may rain, in which case the hike will be canceled.
Example
A person punished as a warning to others.
Case
Actual fact; reality
We suspected the walls were hollow, and this proved to be the case.
Example
A parallel or closely similar case, especially when serving as a precedent or model.
Case
A question or problem; a matter
It is simply a case of honor.
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 situation that requires investigation, especially by a formal or official body.
Example
To be illustrated or exemplified (by). en
Case
An action or a suit or just grounds for an action.
Example
One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen.
Case
The facts or evidence offered in support of a claim.
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
A set of reasons or supporting facts; an argument
Presented a good case for changing the law.
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 person being assisted, treated, or studied, as by a physician, lawyer, or social worker.
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
(Informal) A peculiar or eccentric person; a character.
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
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
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
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
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
A container; a receptacle
A jewelry case.
Meat-filled cases of dough.
Example
A representative form or pattern;
I profited from his example
Case
A container with its contents.
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 decorative or protective covering or cover.
Example
Punishment intended as a warning to others;
They decided to make an example of him
Case
A set or pair
A case of pistols.
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
The frame or framework of a window, door, or stairway.
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
The surface or outer layer of a metal alloy.
Example
A representative instance used to illustrate a principle.
She used an example to explain the concept of gravity.
Case
A shallow compartmented tray for storing type or type matrices.
Example
A specific item or occurrence used for clarification.
The teacher provided several examples to help the students understand the math problem.
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
A sample used to demonstrate a rule or concept.
For example, water freezes at 0°C.
Case
To put into or cover with a case; encase.
Example
An instance that typifies a broader category.
The painting is a prime example of Renaissance art.
Case
(Slang) To examine carefully, as in planning a crime
Cased the bank before robbing it.
Example
An illustration used in explanations or arguments.
He gave an example of a successful business model to support his point.
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]
Case
A given condition or state.
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.
Case
(academia) An instance or event as a topic of study.
The teaching consists of theory lessons and case studies.
Case
(legal) A legal proceeding, lawsuit.
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
A specific instance of a situation or condition.
The doctor reviewed the patient's case before making a diagnosis.
Case
An occurrence of a disease or condition.
There were several new cases of flu reported last week.
Case
An instance in legal proceedings.
The landmark case set a new precedent in environmental law.
Common Curiosities
What is a case?
A case is a specific instance or occurrence of a situation, condition, or event, often analyzed in detail.
Where are cases commonly used?
Cases are commonly used in legal, medical, and academic contexts.
What is the purpose of an example?
The purpose of an example is to clarify and explain broader concepts.
What is an example?
An example is a representative instance used to illustrate a general principle or concept.
What is the purpose of a case?
The purpose of a case is to analyze and understand specific instances in detail.
Are examples unique?
Examples are not necessarily unique; they are chosen for their representativeness.
Where are examples commonly used?
Examples are commonly used in teaching, writing, and communication to clarify concepts.
How detailed is a case compared to an example?
A case is typically more detailed and specific, whereas an example is general and illustrative.
Can a case be an example?
Yes, a case can serve as an example if it illustrates a broader principle.
Can an example be a case?
No, an example is usually a simplified representation and not as detailed as a case.
Why are cases important in law?
Cases in law set precedents and help in the interpretation of legal principles.
Why are examples important in teaching?
Examples help students understand and apply abstract concepts in concrete terms.
What is a case study?
A case study is an in-depth analysis of a particular case to draw broader conclusions.
What makes an example effective?
An example is effective when it clearly illustrates the point being explained.
Are cases unique?
Yes, cases are unique to the specific circumstances they describe.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
