in case of problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in case of problem" is not entirely correct in standard written English; it should be "in case of a problem." You can use it when discussing potential issues or emergencies and how to address them.
Example: "In case of a problem, please contact the support team immediately."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A series of community-based initiatives have been launched, with support from UNICEF, to give children and their parents someone to turn to in case of problems.

Unicef

The officers are often called upon to discourage intruders and be on site in case of problems.

The New York Times

When you travel extensively, a small pocketknife is a great thing to have in case of problems.

The New York Times

Make staff aware of this and give them some basic training on what works and what doesn't and be around for back-up in case of problems.

The Guardian

He said the store would be a place where children could call their parents or the police in case of problems.

The New York Times

Credit-default swaps, in essence, work like bond insurance, in which the issuer promises to make a bondholder whole in case of problems like a default.

The New York Times

He also said BP would bring another production vessel from South America as a backup in case of problems with those currently at the well site.

The New York Times

The state needs two vials to inject into each condemned prisoner, and a further two as a back-up in case of problems with the first, as outlined in its official execution procedures.

The Guardian

At the other end of the spectrum are full-service tours that book hotel rooms, set up meals and provide a mechanic and a chase van in case of problems.

The New York Times

As an engineering team we encouraged single feature releases or small changes in order to keep complexity - and therefore risk - low, and to allow traceability back to individual commits in case of problems.

The Guardian

(For the foreseeable future, a train operator will ride aboard the trains in case of problems. The L line will serve as a kind of pilot project for automating other lines, which are much more complicated).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the article "a" before "problem" to ensure grammatical correctness: "in case of a problem". This makes the phrase sound more natural and conforms to standard English.

Common error

Avoid saying "in case of problem". The grammatically correct form is "in case of a problem" or "in the event of a problem". Using the article clarifies the phrase and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in case of problem" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a condition or potential situation. While grammatically incorrect, the intention is to prepare for potential difficulties. Ludwig AI highlights the need for grammatical correction.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in case of problem" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. The correct phrasing is "in case of a problem". While the intent is clear – to express preparedness for potential issues – using the grammatically correct form enhances clarity and professionalism. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the grammatical error. Consider using alternatives like "if there is a problem" or "in the event of a problem" for better clarity. Due to the lack of sources, there is no clear preference on the domain of use of the term, but the phrase is not correct, and should not be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in case there is a problem

This version adds a subject and verb to make the phrase a complete clause, improving clarity.

in the event of a problem

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the problem.

if a problem arises

This phrase highlights the condition that a problem actually needs to occur.

should a problem occur

This option is a more formal and less common way to express a conditional situation.

if problems arise

This alternative uses the plural form to suggest multiple issues.

to prepare for potential problems

This alternative is action-oriented, focusing on readiness.

in anticipation of a problem

This phrase emphasizes proactively preparing for a potential issue.

in readiness for a problem

This phrase focuses on the state of being prepared if an issue occurs.

as a precaution against problems

This option focuses on taking preventive measures.

for problem contingencies

A shorter, more business-oriented way of saying it.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "in case of problem"?

The correct way to phrase it is "in case of a problem". The article 'a' is essential for grammatical accuracy.

Are there other ways to say "in case of a problem"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "if there is a problem", "in the event of a problem", or "should a problem arise".

Is "in case of problem" ever acceptable?

While understandable, "in case of problem" is grammatically incorrect. It's always better to use "in case of a problem" in formal writing or speech.

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

Both phrases have similar meanings, but "in the event of a problem" is slightly more formal than "in case of a problem".