make a case for

/meɪk ə keɪs fɔː/ · mayk uh KAYS forargument phrase

Present evidence and reasoning that support a conclusion, interpretation, or proposal.

Use make a case for to express this relationship precisely: present evidence and reasoning that support a conclusion, interpretation, or proposal.

What make a case for Really Means

The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.

1

Core action

Present evidence and reasoning that support a conclusion, interpretation, or proposal.

Example

The inscriptions make a case for dating the structure a century earlier.

2

Common construction

Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.

Example

The report makes a strong case for expanding rural clinics.

3

Reasoning effect

It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.

Example

By combining several archives, the author makes a case for a different interpretation.

Use make a case for Naturally

Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.

The inscriptions make a case for dating the structure a century earlier.

The report makes a strong case for expanding rural clinics.

By combining several archives, the author makes a case for a different interpretation.

Precision Matters

Make a case for overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.

make a case for

Means present evidence and reasoning that support a conclusion, interpretation, or proposal.

vs.
in support of

Means as evidence, reasoning, or advocacy favouring a claim, proposal, or position.

make a case for

Means present evidence and reasoning that support a conclusion, interpretation, or proposal.

vs.
lend support to

Means provide evidence or reasoning that makes a claim more credible without necessarily proving it.

make a case for

Means present evidence and reasoning that support a conclusion, interpretation, or proposal.

vs.
substantiate

Means to support or establish a claim with evidence.

make a case for

Means present evidence and reasoning that support a conclusion, interpretation, or proposal.

vs.
draw a conclusion

Means reach a reasoned judgment by interpreting evidence or premises.

Test make a case for in Context

The researchers assemble several forms of evidence to support a conclusion.

1

Using pollen, charcoal, and settlement data, the researchers ___ sustained human activity during the dry period.

Prepared byFirst Academy
Editorial responsibilityFirst Academy Academic Team
Updated3 August 2026
Selection and reviewRead our methodology