Cool MateExample vs There was no case
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Example
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
There was no case
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Example
| Example | There was no case | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzɑːmpl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmpl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðeər wɒz nōʊ keɪs//🇺🇸 //ðɛr wəz noʊ keɪs// |
| Meaning | A sample or model of something to show how it works. | A situation or instance that is being discussed or considered. |
| Example | Please follow this example to complete your assignment. | There was no case for his argument during the debate. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | characteristic, classic, prime, give somebody, offer, provide (somebody with), demonstrate something, highlight something, illustrate something, for example, in an/the example, example of, characteristic, classic, prime, give somebody, offer, provide (somebody with), demonstrate something, highlight something, illustrate something, for example, in an/the example, example of, good, great, inspiring, set, show, follow, by example, example to, make an example of somebody, good, great, inspiring, set, show, follow, by example, example to, make an example of somebody | no case, there was no case, lack of case, case under consideration |
| Antonyms | counterexample, exception | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'exemplary', which means perfect or model., Using 'example' in plural without 'examples' when talking about multiple cases., Mispronouncing it as 'egg-zample' instead of 'ig-zample'. | Using 'there is' instead of 'there was' for past situations., Saying 'case' when referring to examples rather than situations., Confusing 'case' with 'cause' in legal contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use 'example' when illustrating a point or providing a representation. It's suitable in most contexts, but avoid in very casual situations where simpler words may be more appropriate. | Used to indicate the absence of a situation in discussions. Common in formal and legal contexts; less common in casual speech. |
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Frequently asked questions: Example vs There was no case
What's the difference between Example and There was no case?
Example: A sample or model of something to show how it works. There was no case: A situation or instance that is being discussed or considered.
Which is more common: Example and There was no case?
Example is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Example: Please follow this example to complete your assignment. There was no case: There was no case for his argument during the debate.
Can I use Example and There was no case interchangeably?
Not always. Example and There was no case are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.