case
case — 動詞
1. to go to a place and watch it carefully beforehand in order to plan a robbery or
踩點
作案前觀察地形
to go to a place and watch it carefully beforehand in order to plan a robbery or other crime there.
The thieves spent three days casing the jewellery store before breaking in.
那些小偷花了三天踩點這家珠寶店，然後才闖入行竊。
collocation: case + store / building / house
Hari was caught casing a house in the neighbourhood late at night.
Hari 深夜在社區裡踩點一間房子時被逮個正著。
passive: be caught casing [place]
Romi and her partner cased the bank on Friday to study the security cameras.
Romi 和她的同夥星期五去銀行踩點，查看監視器的位置。
Two men cased the shopping centre car park looking for unlocked cars.
兩名男子在購物中心停車場踩點，尋找沒上鎖的車輛。
According to the report, the gang cased several shops before choosing the electronics store.
根據報導，該幫派踩點了幾家商店，最後選定電子用品店下手。
- reconnoitre
more formal and military-oriented; broader scope beyond crime
- scout out
similar meaning but neutral — can be used for any kind of advance exploration
- stake out
focuses on watching from a fixed position, often done by police rather than criminals
文法句型
case + noun phrase (a physical location)
用法筆記
The object is always a physical location (a building, street, or neighbourhood). Frequently used in continuous tenses or with durative time expressions. The subject is typically a thief, robber, or gang — using this verb for legitimate inspection sounds unnatural.
常見錯誤
case — 名詞
1. a particular event, situation, or example that belongs to a broader category of
情況；實例
特定的情形或事例
a particular event, situation, or example that belongs to a broader category of things like it.
The doctor described a case where the medicine cured a rare disease.
醫生描述了一個案例，其中這種藥物治癒了一種罕見疾病。
a case where + clause for a specific instance
In each case, the manager gave the new employees a detailed training plan.
在每種情況下，經理都為新員工制定了詳細的培訓計劃。
in each case — referring to every instance
This is a clear case of unfair treatment in the workplace.
這是工作場所中一個明顯的不公平待遇案例。
There were several cases of passengers missing their flights due to the storm.
有幾起乘客因暴風雨而錯過航班的情況。
Jiwoo found a case in the medical journal that matched her patient's symptoms exactly.
Jiwoo 在醫學期刊中找到了一個與她的病人症狀完全相符的案例。
文法句型
a case of [something]
in the case of [someone/something]
2. used to introduce what happens or what should be done as a result of a situation
那樣的話
承接前述情況的結果
used to introduce what happens or what should be done as a result of a situation that has just been mentioned.
Yumi cannot come to the meeting. In that case, we should reschedule it for next week.
Yumi 無法來開會。那樣的話，我們應該把會議改到下週。
in that case — introducing a logical consequence
If you have never used this software before, in that case I can show you how it works.
如果你從未用過這個軟體，那樣的話，我可以教你怎麼操作。
The flight might be cancelled due to the snowstorm. In that case, the airline will offer hotel rooms.
航班可能會因暴風雪而取消。那樣的話，航空公司會提供飯店房間。
Dahlia said she does not eat meat. In that case, I will order a vegetarian dish for her.
Dahlia 說她不吃肉。那樣的話，我幫她點一道素食料理。
- if so
more informal and shorter
- then
simpler but less precise — 'then' can also indicate time
- under those circumstances
more formal and longer
文法句型
in that case
in which case
用法筆記
Always used within the fixed phrases 'in that case' or 'in which case.' Typically begins a new clause or sentence and refers back to something already stated.
常見錯誤
3. what is really true, especially when people have made a wrong assumption about i
事實
實際情況而非假設
what is really true, especially when people have made a wrong assumption about it.
Many people think the store is closed on Sundays, but that is not the case.
很多人以為那家店星期日不營業，但事實並非如此。
that is not the case — denying a belief
If that is the case, we need to come up with a different plan right away.
如果情況是這樣，我們必須馬上想一個不同的方案。
The newspaper reported that the school would close, but this was not the case.
報紙報導那所學校將會關閉，但事實並非如此。
Pedro thought the train had already left, but that was not the case — it was delayed by an hour.
Pedro 以為火車已經開走了，但事實並非如此——火車誤點了一個小時。
The manager assumed the project was behind schedule. This being the case, she asked the team for a progress report.
經理認為專案進度落後。既然情況如此，她要求團隊提交進度報告。
- pretence
refers to a false appearance, not an actual situation
文法句型
that is not the case
if that is the case
this being the case
用法筆記
Nearly always used in fixed expressions with a negative or conditional structure: 'that is not the case,' 'if that is the case,' 'this being the case.' Almost never used as a standalone countable noun in this meaning.
常見錯誤
4. used to say that a statement remains true or an action will happen no matter wha
不管怎樣
無論其他情況為何
used to say that a statement remains true or an action will happen no matter what other circumstances exist.
The weather forecast looks bad, but in any case we will hold the wedding outdoors.
天氣預報說天氣不好，但無論如何我們都會在戶外舉行婚禮。
in any case — regardless of circumstances
I am not sure if Kabir will accept the offer. In any case, we should send it today.
我不確定 Kabir 是否會接受這份工作。無論如何，我們今天應該寄出去。
The project may cost more than expected. In any case, the team must finish it by the deadline.
這個專案的花費可能超出預期。無論如何，團隊必須在期限前完成。
Dewi might not agree with the proposal. In any case, we have to present it at the board meeting.
Dewi 可能不同意這個提案。無論如何，我們必須在董事會議上提出。
- anyway
more informal and common in everyday speech
- regardless
emphasises that circumstances do not change the outcome
- nevertheless
more formal — often introduces a contrasting point
文法句型
in any case
用法筆記
A fixed phrase that functions as a sentence connector. It can appear at the start of a sentence or clause, or less commonly at the end. Similar to 'anyway' but slightly more formal.
常見錯誤
5. as a way of being prepared for the possibility that something might happen, so t
以防萬一
為可能發生的事做準備
as a way of being prepared for the possibility that something might happen, so that you are ready if it does.
Take an umbrella in case it rains later this afternoon.
帶一把傘，以防下午下雨。
in case + present tense clause for precaution
Bilal always keeps a spare phone charger in his bag in case the battery dies.
Bilal 總是在包包裡放一個備用充電器，以防手機沒電。
Elena wrote down the address in case she forgot the way to the restaurant.
Elena 寫下了地址，以防她忘了去餐廳的路。
I packed a few snacks in case the kids got hungry during the long car ride.
我準備了一些零食，以防孩子們在漫長的車程中肚子餓。
Meera saved her work every few minutes in case the computer crashed unexpectedly.
Meera 每隔幾分鐘就儲存一次她的工作，以防電腦突然當機。
- just to be safe
more informal and conversational
- lest
formal and old-fashioned — rarely used in everyday speech
文法句型
in case + clause (present tense)
just in case
用法筆記
Followed by a clause with a present or past tense verb. Do not use 'will' or 'would' after 'in case.' In British English, 'in case' can also mean 'because of a possibility' (e.g., 'I bought milk in case you want some'). In American English, this usage is less common.
常見錯誤
6. used in official instructions or planning to indicate what to do when a particul
如果發生
若特定事件發生時的應對
used in official instructions or planning to indicate what to do when a particular situation arises.
In case of fire, use the stairs and do not use the lift.
如果發生火災，請走樓梯，不要使用電梯。
in case of + noun phrase in official instructions
The hotel provides a first-aid kit in the lobby in case of minor injuries.
飯店大廳備有急救箱，以防有人受輕傷。
In case of an emergency, please call this number immediately for assistance.
如果發生緊急情況，請立即撥打這個號碼尋求協助。
The school keeps a supply of bottled water in case of a water shortage.
學校儲備了一批瓶裝水，以防缺水。
- in the event of
equally formal; interchangeable in most contexts
- if
simpler and more general, but less precise for precautionary contexts
文法句型
in case of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Followed by a noun phrase, not a clause. Common on warning signs, safety instructions, and official documents. More formal than 'in case' + clause (sense 5).
常見錯誤
7. used to introduce the specific person, thing, or situation that you are talking
就...而言
提及特定的人或情況
used to introduce the specific person, thing, or situation that you are talking about when making a statement or comparing two things.
In the case of Eli, the school provided extra help with his reading.
就 Eli 而言，學校為他的閱讀提供了額外幫助。
fixed phrase: in the case of + person
The rules are different in the case of students from other countries.
來自其他國家的學生，適用的規則有所不同。
Dewi received a scholarship, but in the case of her brother, no funding was available.
Dewi 獲得了獎學金，但就她弟弟的情況而言，沒有獲得任何補助。
In the case of old buildings, owners must follow strict safety rules.
就老舊建築而言，屋主必須遵守嚴格的安全規定。
The doctor recommended rest, but in the case of a fever, call the clinic immediately.
醫生建議多休息，但如果出現發燒，請立即打電話到診所。
- regarding
more formal; used in writing rather than speech
- concerning
formal; common in official documents
- when it comes to
less formal; used in everyday conversation
用法筆記
Typically appears in the fixed phrase 'in the case of' followed by a noun phrase. Do not confuse with 'in case of' (meaning 'if something happens').
常見錯誤
8. a particular type of situation or event that has a specific character, cause, or
案例；狀況
特定類型的實例或情況
a particular type of situation or event that has a specific character, cause, or explanation.
The missing money turned out to be a clear case of theft.
那筆遺失的錢最後證實是一樁明顯的竊盜案例。
a case of + crime/problem noun
Doctors described her illness as a rare case of lung infection.
醫生將她的病描述為罕見的肺部感染病例。
Renata's situation was a classic case of too much work and not enough sleep.
Renata 的情況是典型的工作太多、睡眠不足。
The judge declared it was a case of mistaken identity.
法官判定這是一起認錯人的案件。
This is not a case of laziness — the team simply needs better training.
這不是懶惰的問題——團隊只是需要更好的訓練。
用法筆記
Often follows the pattern 'a case of + noun phrase' to describe a situation's type or cause. Frequently used with adjectives such as 'classic', 'clear', 'obvious', 'rare'.
常見錯誤
9. an event or set of circumstances that clearly illustrates a more general situati
例證；實例
用來證明論點的例子
an event or set of circumstances that clearly illustrates a more general situation, problem, or argument.
Mira's success is a case in point — hard work really does pay off.
Mira 的成功就是一個典型的例子——努力真的會有回報。
fixed phrase: a case in point
Some staff dislike the new policy, and Sahil's complaint is a case in point.
有些員工不喜歡新政策，Sahil 的投訴就是一個明顯的例子。
The recent flooding is a clear case of how climate change affects local communities.
最近的水災就是氣候變遷影響當地社區的明顯例子。
Felix's experience is a case that shows how unsafe some workplaces can be.
Felix 的經歷就是一個例子，說明了有些工作場所可能多麼不安全。
- illustration
more formal; used in academic or professional writing
- instance
emphasises one specific occurrence within a pattern
- example
the everyday word for a representative instance
用法筆記
Commonly appears in the fixed expression 'a case in point', meaning 'a good example of what I am talking about'. Can also appear as 'a clear case of' followed by a description.
10. used to say that a situation is exactly the same as another situation that has a
情況亦同
與之前提到的情況相同
used to say that a situation is exactly the same as another situation that has already been mentioned or is well known.
Many young people move to cities for jobs, as is the case with Daichi.
許多年輕人為了工作搬到城市，Daichi 的情況也是如此。
as is the case with + person
As is often the case, the simplest solution turned out to be the best one.
通常情況下，最簡單的解決方案反而是最好的。
as is often the case
The company hired new staff, as was the case with its main competitor last year.
該公司僱用了新員工，與其主要競爭對手去年的情況相同。
As is the case in many countries, online shopping is growing fast here too.
與許多國家的情況一樣，這裡的線上購物也正在快速成長。
Stephanie passed the exam easily, as is usually the case with well-prepared students.
Stephanie 輕鬆通過了考試，準備充分的學生通常都是如此。
- similarly
adverb; used to draw a parallel between two situations
- likewise
more formal; indicates the same applies
- the same goes for
less formal; used in conversation
- by contrast
used to show that the opposite is true
用法筆記
Typically used in fixed expressions such as 'as is the case', 'as is often the case', 'as was the case'. These clauses are non-restrictive — they add information without defining the subject.
常見錯誤
11. indicates that the same conclusion follows regardless of which specific scenario
無論哪種情況
無論哪種情況都適用
indicates that the same conclusion follows regardless of which specific scenario from a stated set actually occurs.
In either case, you will receive a full refund for your ticket.
無論是哪種情況，您都會獲得全額退票款。
fixed phrase: in either case
Christopher might come tomorrow or Thursday; in either case we will start the meeting without him.
Christopher 可能明天或星期四來；無論哪種情況，我們都會準時開會。
in either case — whichever of two options
Hui can take the train or the bus; in either case, she arrives by noon.
Hui 可以搭火車或公車；無論哪種方式，她都會在中午前到達。
The weather may be rainy or windy; in either case the wedding will go ahead.
天氣可能會下雨或颳風；無論哪種情況，婚禮都會照常舉行。
Defne may arrive by bus or by train; in either case, save her a seat near the front.
Defne 可能搭公車或火車來；無論哪種方式，在前排幫她留個座位。
- regardless
adverb; shorter and more direct
- anyway
less formal; common in spoken English
- either way
informal; used when two possibilities exist
用法筆記
Appears in fixed phrases such as 'in any case', 'in either case', and 'in that case'. 'In any case' and 'in either case' are discourse markers that connect back to previous information.
常見錯誤
12. a situation, crime, medical condition, or individual that requires professional
個案；案子
警方、醫生或社工處理的個案
a situation, crime, medical condition, or individual that requires professional attention from authorities such as police, doctors, or social workers.
The police are investigating a case of stolen goods from the warehouse.
警方正在調查一起倉庫物品遭竊的案件。
case + of + crime (police context)
Élise is the doctor handling the case of a young patient with a rare infection.
Élise 是負責一位罹患罕見感染的年輕病患的醫生。
The social worker took on the case of a family needing emergency housing.
那位社工接手了一個需要緊急安置住所的家庭個案。
Rafael's case of food poisoning kept him in hospital for three days.
Rafael 的食物中毒病例讓他在醫院住了三天。
The detective assigned to the case questioned several witnesses yesterday.
負責該案件的偵探昨天詢問了幾位目擊者。
用法筆記
Frequently used in professional contexts (police, medical, legal, social work). Often modified by an adjective or noun that specifies the type: 'murder case', 'flu case', 'child-protection case'. The grammar code [C] indicates it is a countable noun.
常見錯誤
13. a dispute or legal issue that a judge or jury examines in order to make a decisi
案件
由法庭審理的法律糾紛
a dispute or legal issue that a judge or jury examines in order to make a decision according to the law
The Supreme Court will hear the case next Monday morning.
最高法院將在下週一上午審理此案。
collocation: hear a case (of a court)
Amihan's lawyer argued that the case should be dismissed before trial.
Amihan 的律師主張這起案件應該在審判前被駁回。
The judge spent several weeks studying the details of the case.
法官花了數週時間研讀案件的詳細資料。
After a long trial, the court finally closed the case without a final verdict.
經過漫長的審判後，法院最終在沒有最終判決的情況下結案。
- lawsuit
more specific — refers to the legal action itself, not just the dispute
- trial
focuses on the court proceedings rather than the legal dispute as a whole
- proceedings
formal term for the activities in a court
用法筆記
Frequently used with verbs like hear, try, decide, dismiss, and close.
常見錯誤
14. a container, often with a lid, that is used for holding or protecting objects
盒子；容器
存放或保護物品的容器
a container, often with a lid, that is used for holding or protecting objects
Xiu keeps her tools in a plastic case under the workbench.
Xiu 把她的工具放在工作台下的塑膠盒子裡。
preposition: in a case; storage context
The museum displays the ancient coins inside a glass case.
博物館在玻璃展示櫃內展出這些古幣。
display / museum case
Anna packed her camera equipment in a padded protective case.
Anna 把她的相機設備裝進一個有襯墊的保護盒。
Meera took the jewellery out of its velvet-lined case and put it on.
Meera 把珠寶從天鵝絨內襯的盒子裡拿出來戴上。
用法筆記
Often combined with a noun that specifies the contents: pencil case, jewellery case, camera case. Not used for large shipping containers.
常見錯誤
15. a flat-sided bag with a handle and often wheels, used to carry clothes and belon
行李箱
旅行時裝衣物的帶把手箱子
a flat-sided bag with a handle and often wheels, used to carry clothes and belongings when travelling
Talia packed her case the night before the flight.
Talia 在起飛前一晚收拾好行李箱。
pack a case (for travel)
Karim carried two heavy cases up the stairs to the hotel room.
Karim 提著兩個沉重的行李箱上樓，走進飯店房間。
The airline lost Hugo's case, so he bought new clothes at his destination.
航空公司弄丟了 Hugo 的行李箱，所以他到了目的地後買了新衣服。
Soraya always locks her case before checking it in at the airport.
Soraya 總是在機場托運行李前把行李箱上鎖。
用法筆記
In everyday conversation, 'case' often replaces 'suitcase' when the meaning is clear from context. The word 'suitcase' is more precise for a rectangular travel bag.
16. a box designed to contain several bottles of a drink, especially wine, beer, or
箱（酒類）
裝十二瓶以上飲料的箱子
a box designed to contain several bottles of a drink, especially wine, beer, or fizzy water, as a single purchase unit
The restaurant ordered a case of red wine for the party.
餐廳訂了一箱紅酒來辦派對。
a case of [drink]: unit of purchase
Arjun brought a case of sparkling water to the picnic.
Arjun 帶了一箱氣泡水去野餐。
The couple stored the wine case in the cellar for five years before opening it.
那對夫婦把酒箱存放在地窖裡五年才打開。
Nala received a case of champagne as a wedding gift.
Nala 收到一箱香檳作為結婚禮物。
- crate
usually refers to a larger, sturdier wooden or plastic box
用法筆記
When ordering drinks in large quantities, a case typically holds twelve bottles of wine or twenty-four cans of beer, though amounts vary. 'Case' in this sense refers to both the box and its contents as a single unit.
17. a set of reasons and supporting facts that explain why a particular opinion or c
論據；理由
支持某方立場的事實和論點
a set of reasons and supporting facts that explain why a particular opinion or course of action is right
The lawyer built a strong case for her client's innocence.
律師為她的當事人無罪建立了堅實的論據。
build / make a case FOR something
Élise presented a convincing case for reducing office waste and paper use.
Élise 提出了減少辦公室浪費和紙張用量的令人信服的理由。
present a convincing case for [action]
There is a good case for raising the minimum wage in this region.
在這個地區調高基本工資是有充分理由的。
The professor made the case that climate change affects global food supplies.
教授提出了氣候變遷影響全球糧食供應的論點。
用法筆記
Typically followed by 'for' (supporting a proposal) or 'against' (opposing it). Also takes a that-clause: 'make a case that...'.
常見錯誤
18. in languages such as German or Latin, the way a word — usually a noun or adjecti
格
名詞或形容詞在句中的語法形式
in languages such as German or Latin, the way a word — usually a noun or adjective — changes its ending to signal its role in the sentence, such as being the subject, the object, or the possessor
In German, the word changes its ending depending on the grammatical case.
在德文中，單字會依據語法格改變字尾。
grammatical case: changes endings in inflected languages
The nominative case marks the subject of the sentence in Latin.
在拉丁文中，主格標示句子的主詞。
Learning the dative case took Amihan several months of practice.
學習與格讓 Amihan 花了幾個月的時間練習。
Latin has six different cases, each with a specific function in the sentence.
拉丁文有六種不同的格，每種在句子中都有特定的功能。
- inflection
broader term covering all kinds of word changes (tense, number, case)
用法筆記
Case systems are found in many language families — including Slavic, Germanic, and Finno-Ugric — but English only marks case on pronouns (I/me/my, who/whom/whose).
19. the way a written character appears — either as a capital (uppercase) letter or
大小寫
字母的大寫或小寫形式
the way a written character appears — either as a capital (uppercase) letter or as a small (lowercase) letter, which changes the visual form but not the sound of the character
Felipe wrote his name with a capital F and the rest in lower case.
Felipe 用大寫 F 寫了自己的名字，其餘字母則用小寫。
collocation: capital [letter] / lower case
In English, the first word of every sentence must begin with an upper case letter.
在英文中，每個句子的第一個單字都必須以大寫字母開頭。
collocation: upper case letter
The password is case-sensitive, so check whether each letter is capital or small.
這個密碼是區分大小寫的，請檢查每個字母是大寫還是小寫。
Mayumi noticed the sign used the wrong case — the whole word was in capitals.
Mayumi 注意到標示使用了錯誤的大小寫——整組單字都用了大寫。
When typing an email address, the case of the letters usually does not matter.
輸入電子郵件地址時，字母的大小寫通常沒有影響。
- capitalization
refers to the system or practice of using capital letters, while 'case' distinguishes between the two forms
- letter case
a more technical term used in typography and computing
用法筆記
Most commonly used in the phrases 'upper case' and 'lower case'. The compound 'case-sensitive' is common in computing contexts.