in case they decide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in case they decide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a possible outcome or an action that may be taken depending on another person or group's decision. For example, "I will keep all of my options open in case they decide not to go to the amusement park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

However, just in case they decide to slip in a trick question, like "A-ha!

The New York Times

Mr. Day and his partner, Peter Sheppard, recently renovated two apartments just off San Samuele, combining them into a single unit with a folding divider in case they decide to rent half.

The New York Times

In the meantime, the officials said they were beginning to collect anecdotal information of possible ballot-box irregularities or voting fraud by Democrats around the country, in case they decide to mount legal challenges in districts won by Mr. Gore.

The New York Times

Maybe today's couples should draw up one list of essential technology, one for fun eco-gifts like bee hives and Egglus, in case they decide to keep chickens, a "classic homeware" round-up for sparkling crystal stem ware, and top things off with a written demand for contributions to the honeymoon.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, our results also highlight that companies might be well-advised to carefully handle communications in case they decide to prioritize the interests of their shareholders.

Business Research

Who doesn't want to back up their music on a free service, in case they decide they don't like Apple or Spotify any more?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Two days later I bought another one in case they decided to stop making them.

The New York Times

American and allied officials have talked vaguely of having developed "contingency plans" in case they decided to intervene in an effort to neutralize the chemical weapons, a task that the Pentagon estimates would require upward of 75,000 troops.

The New York Times

The flood of reports after his imprisonment led many to speculate that the ruling generals were testing the public reaction in case they decided to move the former president out of prison to the relative comfort of the military hospital.

The New York Times

Expos Make Their Claims The word was that the Montreal Expos were putting in claims for the players the Yankees were trying to get through waivers, just in case they decided to make a deal before the end of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

Over the weekend, the activity in Syria prompted a series of emergency communications among the Western allies, who have long been developing contingency plans in case they decided to intervene in an effort to neutralize the chemical weapons, a task that the Pentagon estimates would require upward of 75,000 troops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in case they decide" to proactively plan for possible outcomes based on someone else's choice. This shows preparedness and foresight.

Common error

Avoid using future tenses after "in case". For example, instead of "in case they will decide", use "in case they decide".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in case they decide" functions as an adverbial clause of condition. It introduces a scenario where a certain action is taken as a precaution, dependent on a decision made by a third party. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in case they decide" is a commonly used and grammatically correct conditional phrase that expresses preparedness for a potential decision made by others. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to introduce a condition under which a certain action is taken. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, Wiki and science contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to avoid misusing tenses and to ensure that the context clearly indicates a proactive approach in anticipation of someone else's choice. Alternatives like "should they choose to" or "depending on their decision" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depending on their decision

Highlights the reliance on their decision for subsequent actions.

should they choose to

Emphasizes the element of choice in their decision.

contingent upon their choice

Similar to "depending on", emphasizing the conditional nature.

if they opt to

Replaces "decide" with "opt", suggesting a selection from available options.

in the event that they determine

More formal and emphasizes the process of reaching a decision.

if they resolve to

Implies a firm decision or commitment.

pending their verdict

A more formal way to express waiting for their decision.

on the off chance they conclude

Introduces a sense of uncertainty or low probability.

lest they decide otherwise

Highlights a negative consequence if they don't decide.

assuming they agree

Focuses on the condition of agreement as a precursor to action.

FAQs

How can I use "in case they decide" in a sentence?

Use "in case they decide" to indicate preparing for a potential choice or decision made by others. For instance, "We have a backup plan "in case they decide" to cancel the event."

What's a more formal alternative to "in case they decide"?

For a more formal tone, consider "in the event that they determine" or "should they choose to". These options provide a similar meaning with a heightened level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in case they will decide"?

No, using "will" after "in case" is generally incorrect. The correct form is "in case they decide", which uses the present subjunctive to express a potential future action.

What is the difference between "in case they decide" and "if they decide"?

"In case they decide" implies preparation for a possible outcome, while "if they decide" simply states a condition. The former suggests a proactive approach, whereas the latter is more passive.