case of need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "case of need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation where assistance or action is required, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "In the case of need, please contact the emergency services immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In case of need, there can be full cover.

The Guardian

Would you be willing to keep the bag for her in case of need?

Harvard University

Firms make structural changes now so that, in case of need, traditional bankruptcy can be facilitated.

The Washington Post

In case of need, the commission can hold closed sessions as it sees fit.

The Guardian - Opinion

13 13 8 A CASE OF NEED, by Michael Crichton writing as Jeffery Hudson.

The New York Times - Books

Still, Sulaiman's situation would seem to present a clear-cut case of need.

The New York Times

This study evaluated young women's awareness of IUD as EC and interest in case of need.

Contraception

Weeks This On Week List Fiction 1 2 A CASE OF NEED, by Michael Crichton writing as Jeffery Hudson.

The New York Times - Books

His mystery novel A Case of Need won the 1968 Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The one thing that the pope, and the Vatican as a whole, can do is to appoint and, in case of need, sack bishops.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under the name Jeffery Hudson, he wrote "A Case of Need" (1968), a medical detective novel that revolved around moral issues posed by abortion.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "case of need" to formally indicate that an action or resource should be available if a specific necessity arises. For example, 'Ensure extra supplies are on hand in "case of need"'.

Common error

Avoid using "case of need" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "if necessary" or "as needed" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "case of need" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition or circumstance under which something might be required or activated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "case of need" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a situation where something is required. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is acceptable in various writing contexts. While versatile, it leans towards a more formal tone, being frequently found in science, news, and media publications. For simpler, less formal situations, alternatives like "if necessary" or "as needed" may be more suitable. When aiming for clear and formal communication, "case of need" effectively sets a conditional action or resource allocation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if necessary

This alternative provides a more concise and direct way of expressing the same condition.

if required

A simplified version, emphasizing a condition of requirement.

as needed

A shorter, more direct substitute conveying the same meaning.

when required

This alternative emphasizes the condition of something being needed.

where necessary

This alternative specifies a condition based on necessity.

should it be necessary

This alternative adds a slightly more formal tone and conditional aspect.

in the event of a need

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a specific occurrence.

when there is a requirement

This expands on the basic idea, specifying a requirement exists.

if the need arises

This alternative focuses on the situation where a need becomes apparent.

in times of need

This alternative refers to a period or situation of necessity or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "case of need" in a sentence?

You can use "case of need" to indicate a situation where something is required. For example, "The backup generator will activate in "case of need"".

What can I say instead of "case of need"?

You can use alternatives like "if necessary", "when required", or "as needed" depending on the context.

Is "case of need" formal or informal?

"Case of need" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "if necessary" or "should the need arise".

What is the difference between "case of need" and "in an emergency"?

"Case of need" is a general condition indicating a requirement. "In an emergency" refers specifically to urgent and often dangerous situations. While they can sometimes be interchangeable, "in an emergency" implies a higher degree of urgency and potential risk.