in case of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in case of" is an idiom that is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is true in the event that something else happens. For example, "We have backup plans in case of an emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Case of Fire, In Case of Hurricane, etc.

WikiHow

Use only in case of emergency.

The New York Times

man was present in case of disaster.

The New Yorker

Honour and recognition in case of success.

Forbes

Perhaps even more, in case of insurance?

The New York Times

In case of rain, activities move indoors.

The New York Times

In case of any ambiguity.

The Guardian

In case of a tour?

The Guardian - Music

"Just in case of emergencies".

The New York Times

Returns kTRUE in case of failure.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In-case-of-emergency shelf stable food?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in case of", ensure the subsequent noun or gerund clearly defines the potential event or situation. For example, "In case of fire, use the stairs" provides a clear instruction for a specific scenario.

Common error

Avoid using "in case of" followed by a full clause (subject + verb). Instead, use "in case" or "if". For example, instead of "In case of it rains", write "In case it rains" or "If it rains".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in case of" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a condition or potential event. It sets the stage for an action or precaution to be taken if that event occurs. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it's typically followed by a noun or gerund.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in case of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate contingency or preparedness for a potential event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While it appears in various contexts, it's particularly common in news, academic writing, and wiki articles. When writing with "in case of", be mindful to follow it with a noun or gerund and avoid using it with full clauses. Alternatives like "in the event of" or "should there be" can add variety to your writing. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "in case of" into your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the event of

Emphasizes a specific occurrence or situation that might happen, similar to "in case of".

Should there be

Presents a hypothetical situation with a slightly more formal tone.

If it happens that

Introduces a condition that, if met, necessitates a certain action.

On the off chance of

Suggests a lower probability of something occurring, but still warrants consideration.

As a precaution against

Highlights the preventative nature of an action taken due to a potential risk.

For fear of

Expresses the intention to avoid a negative consequence.

To prepare for

Focuses on readiness for a possible future event.

In anticipation of

Highlights expecting something to happen and taking prior action.

Against the possibility of

Addresses a potential situation, often implying a degree of uncertainty.

If the situation arises

Emphasizes the hypothetical nature of a circumstance that may or may not occur.

FAQs

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

Use "in case of" to indicate a precautionary measure taken due to a potential event. For example, "Keep a first-aid kit handy "in case of emergencies"".

What's the difference between "in case of" and "in case"?

"In case of" is typically followed by a noun or gerund, while "in case" is followed by a clause. For example, "In case of rain, take an umbrella" versus "In case it rains, take an umbrella".

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

Alternatives include "in the event of", or "should there be", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in case of emergency"?

Yes, "in case of emergency" is a correct and commonly used phrase, often seen in instructions and safety guidelines.