in case of hardship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in case of hardship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a provision or action that should be taken if a difficult situation arises. Example: "We have set up a fund to assist employees in case of hardship during these challenging times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

While Executive Life continued to pay out claims when people died, other policyholders who stayed with the company were not allowed to cash in their policies or borrow against them except in case of hardship.

The New York Times

Wall Street wouldn't relax its demands for repayment in case of hardship, but it would like its loans to ride unscathed through any bankruptcy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

People could be exempted from the tax "in cases of hardship".

The New York Times - Health

Some books and study materials are free, and financial assistance and other forms of support are available in cases of hardship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This organisation, a charity based in San Francisco, charges authors a fee (between $1,350 and $2,900, though it is waived in cases of hardship) and then makes their papers available over the internet for nothing.

The Economist

And it has pointed out that councils do have the power to make discretionary payments in cases of hardship.

BBC

Temporary 'inability to pay' clauses allow the suspension or renegotiation of (part of) the agreement in cases of hardship, although how tightly this is defined varies.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

* In 1940, Congress authorized the suspension of orders of deportation in cases of hardship, which it defined as "serious economic detriment" to the immigrant's immediate family.

Los Angeles Times

In case of any hardship, the Major League Baseball Players Association, according to its most recent Labor Department filing, has $87 million in cash and investments that can finance sizable strike payments.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2002 the then socialist government felt it necessary to amend the law and allow for the suspension of (clauses in) the collective agreement in case of financial hardship.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

In case of financial hardship, you may have to sell your house, and get a smaller one.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting policies or agreements, use "in case of hardship" to clearly outline procedures or support available during challenging times. This ensures transparency and provides reassurance to those affected.

Common error

While "in case of hardship" is perfectly acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "if things get tough" or "if you need help" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in case of hardship" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It typically introduces a conditional clause, outlining what measures will be taken or what provisions are available if someone experiences significant difficulty. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in case of hardship" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase. It is typically used to introduce conditional clauses that describe support or procedures available during difficult times. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and useful in providing clarity when outlining plans for potential adverse situations. While the phrase appears most frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it's essential to consider formality and opt for simpler language in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should difficulties arise

More formal and emphasizes the hypothetical nature of potential problems.

in the event of financial strain

More formal and specific to financial difficulties.

if financial difficulties occur

Specifically addresses financial challenges and uses more formal language.

should economic problems emerge

Focuses specifically on potential economic issues and uses a more cautious tone.

if adversity strikes

Uses more figurative language to describe hardship as an external force.

in times of need

Broader and emphasizes the necessity for assistance.

when facing tough times

More general and informal, referring to difficult periods.

if tough times arise

More general and uses the phrase "tough times" instead of "hardship".

if misfortune befalls you

Emphasizes the negative impact of events and their unpredictable nature.

on the occurrence of adversity

Highly formal and emphasizes the actual happening of hardship.

FAQs

What does "in case of hardship" mean?

The phrase "in case of hardship" means providing a plan or solution should a difficult or adverse situation occur. It often implies preparedness for potential problems, especially financial or personal.

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

You can use "in case of hardship" to introduce provisions or support systems. For example: "The university offers financial aid "in cases of hardship"".

What are some alternatives to "in case of hardship"?

Alternatives include "in the event of difficulty", "should difficulties arise", or "if adversity strikes", depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is it better to say "in case of hardship" or "in cases of hardship"?

Both "in case of hardship" and "in cases of hardship" are correct. The singular form is used to refer to hardship in general, while the plural emphasizes that hardship can manifest in multiple instances or scenarios.