ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in the event of sth

prep. phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

prep. phr.. you use this to say what should happen if a specific situation occurs, especially an emergency.

prep. phr.. a formal prepositional phrase used to specify a condition or contingency; typically introduces a hypothetical or potential future occurrence.


SIMPLE

In the event of rain, the party will move indoors.

CONTEXTUAL

In the event of a fire, please use the stairs instead of the elevator.

COMPLEX

The contract specifies that in the event of a breach of confidentiality, the partnership will be terminated immediately.

Usage

highly formal and common in legal documents, safety instructions, and official notices.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'if' to show register; 'if there is a fire' is conversational, while 'in the event of a fire' is the standard for formal signage.

Pitfall

in the event of it rainsin the event of rainthis phrase must be followed by a noun or a noun phrase, not a full clause with a verb.

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