but in case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but in case" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when you want to raise a contingency or introduce the possibility of an alternative outcome. For example: "I'm sure everything will go smoothly, but in case it doesn't, I will have a backup plan ready."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

But, in case.

The New Yorker

But in case you don't, here are some extracts.

The Guardian

But in case you require proof, see this show.

The New York Times - Arts

(After all, it won the Pulitzer Prize). But in case you haven't, get on it!

Princeton University

But in case of data access policy changes, the memories need to be redesigned.

Microelectronics Journal

But in case after case, industries have fallen under the shadow of mismanagement.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But in case of opposite bifurcation both the fingers have different percentage in males and females.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

But in case of low level of HOCl compared to organic pollutants combined chlorine is formed.

Applied Water Science

But in case you'd like to review the proceedings in more detail, here are some references.

The New Yorker

But in case of high power PAs a high power summing point can hardly be implemented.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

But in case you're wondering: The president was right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but in case" to smoothly introduce a secondary plan or consideration without undermining the primary focus of your statement. It acknowledges a potential issue while maintaining a forward-looking perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "but in case" when the contingency is highly improbable or irrelevant to the main point. This can dilute your message and distract the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but in case" functions as a conjunctional phrase to introduce a contingency or an alternative possibility following a primary statement or expectation. This construction allows for the acknowledgement of a potential deviation from the anticipated outcome, as illustrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

22%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but in case" is a common and grammatically sound conjunctional phrase used to introduce a contingency or alternative possibility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, science and academic writing. When using "but in case", ensure the contingency is relevant and probable to maintain clarity. Remember, while alternatives like "just in case" exist, "but in case" often provides a smoother transition by acknowledging a primary expectation before introducing a contingency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just in case

Indicates a precaution taken against something that might happen.

in the event that

Introduces a condition that, if it occurs, will lead to a specific outcome.

if it should happen that

Suggests a hypothetical situation that is less likely but still possible.

on the off chance

Implies a very slight possibility of something occurring.

as a precaution

Emphasizes the action taken to prevent potential problems.

for fear that

Highlights the concern or worry about a possible negative outcome.

lest

A more formal way of saying "in order to prevent something from happening."

if by any chance

Expresses a condition that might unexpectedly occur.

assuming that doesn't happen

Introduces an action contingent on something else not happening.

should it occur that

Presents a formal and somewhat unlikely possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "but in case" in a sentence?

Use "but in case" to introduce a secondary plan or consideration. For example, "I expect the project to be completed on time, but in case of delays, we have a backup team ready".

What phrases are similar to "but in case"?

Alternatives include "just in case", "in the event that", or "if it should happen that". Each carries a slightly different nuance of contingency.

Is it always necessary to include a 'but' before 'in case'?

While not strictly mandatory, the "but" often serves as a transitional element, acknowledging a primary expectation before introducing a contingency with "in case". Without "but", the sentence can still be grammatically sound but might lack a smooth flow.

What is the difference between "but in case" and "just in case"?

"But in case" usually follows a statement of expectation or a primary plan, introducing a secondary contingency. "Just in case", on the other hand, often stands alone to express a precautionary measure without explicitly stating the primary expectation.