case by case basis

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A way of deciding each situation separately, using its own details rather than a single fixed rule.

   Grammar: Used after 'on a': decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

   Patterns

   • on a case-by-case basis

   Refunds are handled on a case by case basis.

   We review each application on a case-by-case basis.

   The school treats late work on a case by case basis.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used to say that no general answer applies because every situation differs.

   Grammar: Often a short reply: it depends; we assess it on a case by case basis.

   Can I bring a guest? It's decided on a case by case basis.

   Whether he gets a discount depends on a case by case basis.

   The rules aren't fixed; they apply on a case by case basis.

Common combinations

on a case by case basis

The court examines claims on a case by case basis.

assessed case by case

Each claim is assessed case by case.

consider on a case by case basis

We will consider requests on a case by case basis.

decided on a case-by-case basis

Exceptions are decided on a case-by-case basis.

handled on a case by case basis

Complaints are handled on a case by case basis.

Synonyms and how they differ

individually

Is a single adverb that says the same more briefly.

case by case

Is the shorter form of the same phrase, usable as an adverb.

one at a time

Describes the order of handling, not that each is judged on its own facts.

as appropriate

Is vaguer and does not stress treating cases separately.

Opposites

Word family

case-by-case adjective

Done separately for each situation.

Commonly confused: case by case basis or case study?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “case by case basis”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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