ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in case

fixed phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. you use this to talk about doing something now to prepare for a possible problem or situation in the future.

fixed phr.. a subordinating conjunction or adverbial phrase used to express precaution or provision for a future contingency.


SIMPLE

Take an umbrella in case it rains.

CONTEXTUAL

I wrote down his phone number on a piece of paper in case my phone battery dies.

COMPLEX

The legal team prepared several alternative arguments in case the judge decided to dismiss their primary evidence during the preliminary hearing.

Origin

From Middle English [Term?].

Usage

usually followed by a clause in the present tense to talk about the future.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'if' — 'in case' describes a precaution taken before an event, while 'if' describes an action taken only after an event occurs.

Pitfall

I will take a coat in case it will be cold.I will take a coat in case it is cold.after 'in case', we use the present simple tense to refer to future possibilities, not 'will'.

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