in case of Fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in case of Fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in safety instructions or warnings to indicate what actions to take if a fire occurs. Example: "In case of fire, use the nearest exit to evacuate the building safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

WikiHow

This paper presents an independent review of the performance of Shanghai Tower in case of fire.

Case Studies in Fire Safety

Another reads, "In case of fire, break window.

The New York Times

Fire alarm, means of warning in case of fire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many municipalities require a second means of exiting a finished basement in case of fire.

The New York Times

"They prevent people from getting out in case of fire, or firefighters from getting in".

The New York Times

"In case of fire, the firemen wouldn't be able to break it down.

The New Yorker

This would ventilate smoke from the building in case of fire and provide natural air-conditioning.

The New York Times

One man said the regulations were a matter as much of safety as of convenience, particularly in case of fire.

The New York Times

Don't let it stray too far from you in case of fire (think Pepys) and diary snoops.

The Guardian

In case of fire a gas is released that is supposed to smother the fire with damaging the documents.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing safety instructions, place "In Case of Fire" at the beginning of the sentence to immediately draw attention to the emergency situation and the subsequent steps.

Common error

Avoid using "In Case of Fire" when describing fire prevention strategies. This phrase should be reserved for instructions on what to do during an actual fire event, not for measures taken to prevent a fire from occurring in the first place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In Case of Fire" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a conditional clause. It sets the stage for instructions or actions to be taken if a fire occurs. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread use in providing safety instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

12%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In Case of Fire" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to introduce instructions for fire emergencies. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use. Its primary function is to provide clear guidance in critical situations, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, from formal safety manuals to public notices. While alternatives like "in the event of a fire" or "if there is a fire" exist, "In Case of Fire" remains a direct and effective way to convey essential safety information, especially when beginning a sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if there is a fire

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same condition.

in the event of a fire

Focuses on the occurrence of a fire as a specific event, similar meaning but more formal.

if a fire should occur

Implies a hypothetical situation where a fire might happen, conditional and slightly more formal.

should a fire break out

Uses a more dramatic verb ("break out") to describe the sudden start of a fire, emphasizes unexpectedness.

in a fire emergency

Highlights the urgent and critical nature of a fire situation, emphasizes immediate action.

during a fire

Focuses on actions to take while a fire is ongoing.

when fire occurs

More direct and less formal than "in case of fire", still indicates a time when fire is present.

upon the outbreak of fire

More formal and somewhat archaic, emphasizes the starting point of a fire incident.

fire emergency protocol

Emphasizes the established procedures and guidelines to be followed during a fire emergency; formal and structured.

fire safety measures

Refers to general precautions and procedures designed to prevent or mitigate the effects of a fire; broader than "in case of fire".

FAQs

What is the best way to use "In Case of Fire" in a sentence?

Begin with "In Case of Fire" to immediately signal an emergency and provide clear instructions. For example: "In Case of Fire, evacuate the building immediately."

What can I say instead of "In Case of Fire"?

Alternatives include "in the event of a fire", "if there is a fire", or "should a fire occur", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "In Case of Fire" formal or informal?

"In Case of Fire" is generally considered neutral and can be used in a variety of contexts, from formal safety manuals to informal household instructions.

When should I use "In Case of Fire" vs. "Fire Safety"?

Use "In Case of Fire" when providing specific instructions to be followed during a fire. Use "Fire Safety" when discussing preventative measures, general guidelines, or equipment related to fire prevention.