In Case
A complete C1 guide to in case — how to use it for possibilities, the difference between in case and if, just in case, and the in case of structure for notices and instructions.
What Does In Case Mean?
in case means because it is possible that something will happen.
You do something now to prepare for a possible problem or situation later.
Your car should have a spare wheel in case you have a puncture.
(= because it is possible you will have a puncture)
I will write down my password in case I forget it.
(= because it is possible I will forget it)
Shall I draw a map for you in case you have a problem finding our house?
(= because it is possible you will have problems)
Just In Case
Use just in case for a smaller possibility.
I do not think it will rain, but I will take an umbrella just in case.
(= just in case it rains — a small possibility)
No Will After In Case
Do not use will after in case.
| Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|
I will write it down in case I forget it. | |
Take a map in case you get lost. |
In Case vs. If
in case and if are not the same.
Use in case to say why you do something now. The action happens before the possible problem.
Use if for a condition. The action happens after the condition is true.
| In Case | If |
|---|---|
We will buy more food in case Tom comes. (= We will buy the food now, whether he comes or not.) | We will buy more food if Tom comes. (= We will buy the food only if he comes.) |
I will give you my number in case you need to contact me. (= I give you the number now.) | You can call me if you need to contact me. (= Call only when you need me.) |
Insure your bike in case it is stolen. (= Insure it now.) | Tell the police if your bike is stolen. (= Tell them after it happens.) |
In Case + Past
You can use in case with the past to say why somebody did something.
I gave him my phone number in case he needed to contact me.
(= because it was possible he would need to contact me)
I drew a map for Sarah in case she had a problem finding our house.
We rang the doorbell again in case they had not heard it the first time.
In Case Of
Use in case of on notices, instructions, and formal signs. It means if there is.
In case of fire, please leave the building as quickly as possible.
(= if there is a fire)
In case of emergency, call this number.
(= if there is an emergency)
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Better | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I will take an umbrella in case it will rain. | I will take an umbrella in case it rains. | Do not use will after in case. |
| Buy some food if Tom comes. (= buy it now) | Buy some food in case Tom comes. | Use in case when you prepare now for a possible future situation. |
| In case you need help, you can call me. | You can call me if you need help. / I will give you my number in case you need help. | in case describes preparation; if describes a condition for an action. |
| In case of you need help, call this number. | In case of emergency, call this number. / If you need help, call this number. | in case of is followed by a noun, not a clause. |
Practice: Exercises
I'll write down my password ___ I forget it.
Summary
Use in case to say why you do something now: because it is possible something will happen later.
Use just in case for smaller possibilities.
Do not use will after in case.
in case is about preparation. if is about a condition for an action.
Use in case + past to explain why somebody did something in the past.
Use in case of + noun for notices and instructions: In case of fire, leave the building.