special case: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal. Common in academic, legal, business, and technical contexts, but also used in everyday speech.
Quick answer
What does “special case” mean?
An instance or situation that is treated differently from normal rules or standard procedures because it has unique, exceptional, or specific characteristics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An instance or situation that is treated differently from normal rules or standard procedures because it has unique, exceptional, or specific characteristics.
In logic and mathematics, a specific example of a general rule or theorem that may require separate proof or analysis. In general usage, often implies something or someone deserving of particular consideration or leniency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slight preference in British English for 'special case' in legal/administrative contexts; American English may more readily use 'exception' in some informal contexts.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. In bureaucratic contexts, can imply a request for preferential treatment.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “special case” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a special case of [general rule/category].[Subject] should be treated as a special case.We need to make a special case for [noun phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “special case” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The headteacher agreed to special-case the student's application due to mitigating circumstances.
American English
- The committee decided to special-case the request given the extreme weather disruption.
adjective
British English
- We followed the special-case procedure outlined in the annex.
American English
- They granted a special-case exemption from the residency requirement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Given his long tenure and contributions, we can make a special case for extending his severance package."
Academic
"This theorem holds for all n>2, but n=1 remains a special case requiring separate proof."
Everyday
"I know you don't lend money to friends, but could you make a special case this one time?"
Technical
"The algorithm handles all standard inputs; this corrupted file is a special case that triggers the error handler."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “special case”
- Using 'special case' as an adjective (e.g., 'It's a special case situation' – better: 'It's a special case' or 'It's a special situation').
- Confusing with 'special needs', which refers specifically to educational/developmental requirements.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it can imply deserving special attention, it can also be negative, e.g., 'He's a special case' can mean he's difficult or a problem.
They are often synonymous. 'Exception' is more common and general. 'Special case' often implies the instance is still part of the system but governed by its own sub-rules, or that it merits deliberate, considered deviation.
Yes, but it's informal and chiefly business/technical jargon (e.g., 'We'll special-case this invoice'). In formal writing, phrases like 'make an exception for' or 'treat as a special case' are preferable.
A true special case has objectively unique or compelling features that distinguish it from the norm. It's often defined by pre-established criteria, not just subjective inconvenience.
An instance or situation that is treated differently from normal rules or standard procedures because it has unique, exceptional, or specific characteristics.
Special case is usually neutral to formal. common in academic, legal, business, and technical contexts, but also used in everyday speech. in register.
Special case: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspeʃ.əl ˈkeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspeʃ.əl ˈkeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To make an exception (idiomatically similar)”
- “To bend the rules (for someone/something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPECIAL gift: it's not for everyone, only for a specific person (CASE). A 'special case' is for a specific situation, not the general rule.
Conceptual Metaphor
RULE AS A CONTAINER (The standard rule contains most cases, but a 'special case' is outside it.) / PATH AS A PROCEDURE (The normal procedure is a path; a special case is a detour.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'special case' LEAST appropriate?