conjunction
in case
in KAYS
In case (conjunction) means Because something might happen; used to explain a precaution taken against a possibility. Example: “Take an umbrella in case it rains.”
conjunction
1
Because something might happen; used to explain a precaution taken against a possibility.
"Take an umbrella in case it rains."
"I wrote the address down in case my phone died."
phrase
1
In case of: if a particular thing happens; used mainly in notices and instructions.
"In case of fire, use the stairs."
"Break the glass in case of emergency."
2
informal Just in case: as a precaution, without knowing whether it will be needed.
"I packed a spare charger, just in case."
How to use in case
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something now because something else might happen later.
When to use it
Neutral; in case of is characteristic of signs and official instructions.
Memory tip
In case means as a precaution; in any case means anyway. They are not interchangeable.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
just in case
in case of emergency
in case you forgot
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Take an umbrella _____ it rains.
Etymology
From Middle English [Term?].
Synonyms
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Rhymes for in case
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of in case?
"in case" (conjunction) means because something might happen; used to explain a precaution taken against a possibility.
