ENGLISH
REFERENCE

the case

fixed phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. the truth about a situation. You use this when you want to say that a specific fact or statement is correct.

fixed phr.. a predicative phrase used to assert the truth or factual accuracy of a preceding statement or hypothesis.


SIMPLE

If that is the case, we need to leave now.

CONTEXTUAL

Many people believe the shop is closing, but that is simply not the case.

COMPLEX

While the initial report suggested a mechanical failure, subsequent investigations proved that this was not the case and pointed instead to human error.

Usage

almost always follows the verb 'to be' and is often preceded by 'that' or 'this'.

Teaching tip

teach this as a more formal alternative to 'true'; it is very common in academic writing and polite disagreements.

Pitfall

I think it is the truth case.I think that is the case.the phrase is a fixed unit; do not add extra nouns like 'truth' inside it.

© 2026 English Reference