it has not always been the case vs it has not always been so

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey a similar meaning, indicating that something was not always true or the situation was different in the past. The choice between "the case" and "so" is just a matter of personal preference or context.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 13, 2025 • 5410 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something was not always true or the situation was different in the past.

"it has not always been the case"

This phrase is used to express that a particular situation or fact was not always the way it is now.

Examples:

It has not always been the case that women have the right to vote.
It has not always been the case that technology was so advanced.
It has not always been the case that he was so successful.

Show examples from the web [+]

No, it has not always been the case, and nor is it yet the case in many parts of the world, unfortunately.
This has not always been the case in this Parliament.
That, unfortunately, has not always been the case.
As you know, healthy Wraith have an inherent ability to heal themselves of almost any ailment, but this has not always been the case.
Slovak democracy is developing at a steady pace, which has not always been the case.
This has not always been the case in the past, and the global repercussions are tragic.
This has not always been the case, and so we have every reason to be gratified.
In the course of our work together, this has not always been the case, Baroness Ludford.
We have also seen agreement between the three main institutions, which has not always been the case.
With regard to the latter, we must check their ecological effects which, dare we say, has not always been the case.
That has not always been the case in the past, and this report should assist in achieving that end.
But if having a decentralized system should have meant the smooth implementation of programmes and the rapid mobilization of financial resources, that has not always been the case.
This has not always been the case in the past and the trade dispute on banana imports from ACP countries has left a bitter taste in our mouths.
However, it needs amending, because it has not always been applied correctly or fairly.
Unfortunately, it has not always been done in a coordinated way.
It can play a key role in influencing their commitment to the European ideal, insofar as the latter satisfies their needs and aspirations, which has not always been the case.
Furthermore, the EU has managed to speak with one voice during the past month, which has not always been the case with such an important dossier as EU-Russia relations.
That has not always been the case in the past, and sometimes one wondered whether the overall effort of producing and enforcing a piece of legislation did not outweigh in some ways the benefits to be derived from it.
In actual fact, whereas the concept of reconciling family and professional life has been around at European level for some time, this has not always been the case in practice, especially among companies, who often disregard this issue.
We also call on the Commission to act as is incumbent upon it to ensure that any action taken regarding financial viability is agreed to by the workers and their representatives, which has not always been the case in the past.

Alternatives:

it has not always been so
it was not always the case
it was not always so
it has not always been like this
it has not always been that way

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to convey the idea that something was not always true or the situation was different in the past.

"it has not always been so"

This phrase is used to indicate that a particular situation or fact was not always the way it is now.

Examples:

It has not always been so easy to communicate with people around the world.
It has not always been so crowded in this city.
It has not always been so difficult to find a job.

Show examples from the web [+]

However, it needs amending, because it has not always been applied correctly or fairly.
Unfortunately, it has not always been done in a coordinated way.
This must be made clear and it has not always been the principle followed by the Commission.
The truth, of course, is that a great many Member States, and no doubt other nations too, have taken measures to protect their populations' health which amount to using the precautionary principle, even if it has not always been called that.
It has not always been obvious to decision-makers in local authorities at city, municipality or district level whether compensation for special expenses connected with these services comes within the scope of State aid regulations.
But let us be frank: progress has been slow, it has been uneven and it has not always been very effective.
Enlargement has not always been successful.
It has not always, in its stormy passage up until now, had that benefit.
Because of the low reinsurance and retrocession factor, it has not always been possible to offer economical solutions, e.g. in response to the calls made in the wake of the 11 September 2001 attacks to cover industry and the aviation sector against terrorist risks.
As the European Parliament, we attempted this from the outset during the Bank's start-up phase, and I must say it has not always been a success story; the Bank has also been through some very difficult times.
No, it has not always been the case, and nor is it yet the case in many parts of the world, unfortunately.
This has always been a very serious problem and the European Parliament has tended to be diffident about it, partly because it has not always been clear who is responsible or how the European Parliament could carry out any monitoring or get any information.
The Earth has not always been ideal place for people.
Unfortunately, this has not always been how it works in practice.
Cooperation with Russia in that field has not always been easy.
This has not always been the case in this Parliament.
Nonetheless, the Central Bank's strategy has not always been completely clear or highly legible.
I should like to underline something that has not always been put into words.
The work over these two years has not always been easy.
That, unfortunately, has not always been the case.

Alternatives:

it has not always been the case
it was not always the case
it was not always so
it has not always been like this
it has not always been that way

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it has not always been the case vs it has not always been so

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