in case
3 synonyms for in case, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Conjunction — Because something might happen; used to explain a precaution taken against a possibility.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
for fear that
in the event of
Synonyms by Meaning
1. conjunction
Because something might happen; used to explain a precaution taken against a possibility.
“Take an umbrella in case it rains.”
lest
for fear that
2. phrase
In case of: if a particular thing happens; used mainly in notices and instructions.
“In case of fire, use the stairs.”
in the event of
How to use in case
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
just in case
in case of emergency
in case you forgot
Neutral; in case of is characteristic of signs and official instructions.
Etymology
From Middle English [Term?].
Full origin of in case →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between in case and if?
If describes what you will do when something happens; in case describes what you do beforehand because it might. Compare "I'll take an umbrella if it rains" (you check the weather first) with "I'll take an umbrella in case it rains" (you take it now, whatever happens).
Is it correct to say in case of rain?
Yes. In case of takes a noun, so in case of rain, in case of fire and in case of delay are all standard, while in case takes a whole clause, as in in case it rains.
Do you use the future tense after in case?
No, not in standard English. Say in case it rains, not in case it will rain. For a past situation use the past tense: I locked it in case someone came in.
