in case
in case — phrase
1. used when you do something now to be ready for a possible future situation, so t
used when you do something now to be ready for a possible future situation, so that you can deal with it if it happens
Elena took an extra battery in case her phone died during the hike.
in case + present tense for a future possibility
Noor wrote down the address in case she forgot it on the way.
Pedro packed a warm jacket in case the evening turned cold.
There were spare keys hidden outside in case anyone got locked out.
Keep my number in case you need help finding the place.
- for fear that
more formal and suggests stronger worry
- lest
very formal or literary; often used with 'should'
- so that … not
focuses on the purpose rather than the precaution
文法句型
in case + present tense clause
用法筆記
The clause after 'in case' uses present tense, not future: 'in case it rains' (not 'in case it will rain').
常見錯誤
2. used like 'if' to introduce a condition — something that may or may not be true,
used like 'if' to introduce a condition — something that may or may not be true, or something that may or may not happen
In case you see Ayana, tell her the meeting starts at noon.
in case used as a synonym for 'if'
Call me in case the bus does not arrive on time.
Madison left a note in case her roommate came back early.
In case anyone asks about the plan, the answer is no.
The manager said to call him in case the delivery was late.
- if
the direct equivalent; more common in all varieties of English
- in the event that
more formal, often used in official writing
- should
very formal; used with inversion: 'should you see him'
文法句型
in case + clause (= if)
用法筆記
This use of 'in case' to mean 'if' is typical of American English. In British English, 'in case' almost always carries the idea of taking a precaution (see sense 1).
3. used at the end of a sentence, often after 'just,' to mean that you are doing so
used at the end of a sentence, often after 'just,' to mean that you are doing something as a safety measure without naming the exact problem you are worried about
Tamar brought an umbrella just in case, though the sky looked clear.
often paired with 'just': just in case
Ryo packed some snacks in case and headed to the station.
The nurse kept a spare blanket on the chair, just in case.
Nia bought extra flour in case, knowing the shops might close.
Quan carried a flashlight, just in case, even during the daytime.
- as a precaution
more direct and explicit about the reason
- to be on the safe side
more casual and conversational
- for safety's sake
slightly more formal; emphasises avoiding harm
文法句型
(just) in case (clause-final)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: here, no clause follows 'in case.' The possible problem is left unstated. 'Just in case' is the most common form.