In Case
Using in case to explain why you do something as a precaution, and how it differs from if
Why We Use “In Case”
In case something happens means because it is possible it will happen. You do something now as a precaution for something that might happen later.
- Your company laptop should have a backup in case the hard drive fails. (= because it is possible the hard drive will fail)
- I’ll write down the Wi-Fi password in case I forget it. (= because it is possible I will forget it)
- Shall I send you the directions in case you have trouble finding the office? (= because it is possible you will have trouble)
- I’ll remind the team about the deadline in case they’ve forgotten. (= because it is possible they have forgotten)
You can use just in case when the possibility is smaller:
- I don’t think the client will call today, but I’ll keep my phone on just in case.
Important: Do not use will after in case.
- I’ll save the document in case the system crashes. (not
in case the system will crash)
In Case vs. If
In case and if are not the same. With in case, you do something now as a precaution. With if, you do something only when the situation actually happens.
| in case (precaution now) | if (reaction later) |
|---|---|
| We’ll print extra copies in case more people come to the meeting. (We print them now, whether the extra people come or not.) | We’ll print extra copies if more people come to the meeting. (We wait. If they come, we print. If they don’t, we won’t.) |
| I’ll give you my number in case you need to reach me. (I give it now, before anything happens.) | You can call me on this number if you need to reach me. (Call only when the need actually arises.) |
| You should back up your files in case something goes wrong. (Do it now, as a precaution.) | You should contact IT support if something goes wrong. (Contact them only when a problem actually occurs.) |
In Case + Past
You can use in case + past tense to explain why somebody did something:
- I gave him my email address in case he needed to send me the files. (= because it was possible he would need to)
- I drew a map for the courier in case he had a problem finding our warehouse.
- We sent the invoice again in case they hadn’t received the first one.
In Case Of
In case of means if there is and appears mostly on notices and official instructions.
- In case of a fire alarm, leave the building immediately. (= if there is a fire alarm)
- In case of emergency, contact your line manager first. (= if there is an emergency)
Quick Self-Check
I'll take my laptop charger with me _____ I need to work on the train.
Select your answer:
I wrote down the meeting room number in case I _____ it.
Select your answer:
_____ fire, use the emergency exits on your left.
Select your answer:
We'll buy extra supplies _____ the new interns start on Monday.
Select your answer:
You should save your work regularly in case the software _____.
Select your answer: