In case means “because something might happen” or “as a precaution”. It explains why we do something in advance: we take an umbrella in case it rains. In case of + noun appears in notices and instructions: in case of fire means “if there is a fire”.
How would you use in case?
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clause + in case + present simple; past clause + in case + past simple; in case of + noun; just in case
- Save a copy of your essay on a USB stick in case your laptop crashes.
- I booked a hotel near the airport in case my flight was delayed.
- In case of fire, do not use the lifts.
What changed
First versionTake some cash in case if the card machine doesn't work.
RevisionTake some cash in case the card machine doesn't work.
In case already includes the meaning of if, so in case if says the same thing twice. English uses in case on its own. The extra if was removed, and the rest of the sentence stayed the same.
In case and if are not interchangeable. If sets a condition: I'll call you if I'm late, meaning I'll call only if I'm late. In case is about being prepared: I'll leave early in case the traffic is bad, meaning I'll leave early whatever the roads turn out to be like.
Your turn
I always carry a spare charger ___ my phone battery runs out.
Show the answer
in case — You always carry the charger in advance, because the battery might run out. That is a precaution, so the answer is in case. With if, the sentence would mean you only take the charger once the battery has already died.
Describe something you take to an exam or on a trip just in case. Name the item and use in case to explain what problem it protects you from.
I always take two pens to an exam in case one of them stops writing.
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