be prepared in case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be prepared in case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to get ready for a potential situation or outcome that may occur. Example: "Make sure to be prepared in case of an emergency during the trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"We need to be prepared in case we receive a request of information from the authorities.

The Guardian

The goal is just to be prepared in case you need it down the road".

The New York Times - Sports

But states like Arizona say they want to be prepared in case the law survives.

The New York Times

He challenged viewers to "think the unthinkable" so that they would be prepared in case of emergency.

The New York Times

When I was told to be prepared in case we didn't win, I said, I can't prepare for that.

The Guardian

All of them want to be prepared in case any player becomes available to be signed, and both teams' hour of pregame drills had oodles to eyeball.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"And he's prepared in case anyone rushes the mound".

The New York Times - Sports

He looks just as strong in October, and was prepared in case Clemens went down.

The New York Times

(Other script options were prepared in case the lead actors did not return).

The New York Times

The CDC called on all countries in the region to ensure they are prepared in case the Ebola outbreak should spread across their borders.

The Guardian

A glimpse into a sadder version of history: Dominic Tierney collects undelivered Presidential speeches that were prepared in case of tragedy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be prepared in case", clearly state the potential scenario you are preparing for to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "Be prepared in case of a power outage."

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "Be prepared in case something happens". Instead, specify what actions to take or what resources to have ready for specific potential events. For example, instead of saying "Be prepared in case something happens", be specific and say "Be prepared in case of a sudden market downturn by diversifying your investments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be prepared in case" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind taking preparatory actions. Ludwig provides examples showing it introduces a potential condition for which readiness is necessary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

14%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be prepared in case" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of readiness for potential future events. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki content. This phrase serves as an adverbial phrase of purpose, advising or instructing actions for mitigation or capitalizing on potential scenarios. The writing guidance suggests being specific about the scenario and actions. Overall, "be prepared in case" is valuable in ensuring proactive measures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare for the possibility

Focuses on preparing for a specific possibility, implying a more targeted approach.

get ready in the event of

Similar in meaning, but uses "in the event of" to introduce a conditional scenario.

make provisions for

Emphasizes making practical arrangements or supplying resources.

take precautions in anticipation of

Highlights the act of taking safety measures beforehand.

be on the alert for

Suggests a state of vigilance and quick responsiveness.

brace oneself for

Implies preparing for something unpleasant or challenging.

be forewarned about

Focuses on being informed in advance about potential dangers or issues.

have a backup plan for

Emphasizes creating an alternative strategy in case the primary one fails.

stock up on supplies

Specifically refers to gathering essential items in preparation for a potential shortage or emergency.

ensure readiness for

Formal and emphasizes the act of ensuring a state of preparedness.

FAQs

How can I use "be prepared in case" in a sentence?

You can use "be prepared in case" to advise someone to get ready for a potential situation or outcome that may occur. For example: "Make sure to "be prepared in case" of an emergency during the trip."

What are some alternatives to "be prepared in case"?

Some alternatives to "be prepared in case" include "be ready for", "get ready in the event of", or "make provisions for", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be prepared in case" or "prepare for the possibility"?

"Prepare for the possibility" and "be prepared in case" are similar, but ""be prepared in case"" implies a state of readiness to respond, while "prepare for the possibility" focuses on planning and anticipation.

What does "be prepared in case" mean?

"Be prepared in case" means to make sure you are ready for something that might happen in the future. This often involves having the necessary resources, knowledge, or plans in place to deal with a specific situation.