in the event of a disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the event of a disaster" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe the actions or plans taken in case of a sudden and unexpected event, such as a natural disaster, accident, or emergency. Example: "In the event of a disaster, the emergency response team will be activated and all employees will follow the evacuation procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

RILEY: Safety in the event of a disaster is one thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Halliburton provided the cement intended to seal the well in the event of a disaster.

The Guardian

And because of its size and complexity, there are no easy, manual fixes in the event of a disaster.

The New York Times

The law would cap foreign companies' liability at little more than $100 million in the event of a disaster.

The New York Times

When it comes to those additional living expenses incurred in the event of a disaster, insurance policies typically impose limits.

The New York Times

In the event of a disaster or attack, there is currently NO backup trans-Hudson connection except for PATH, which is of limited capacity and reach.

The New York Times

According to an accompanying chart, in the event of a disaster I was designated to be in Seat 24, next to the steward, in the free-fall boat.

The New Yorker

"I might be taking a conservative approach," Mr. Rodriguez said, "but I'll take that criticism, rather than be unprepared in the event of a disaster".

The New York Times

In partnership with groups in other countries SST also operates a constellation of satellites which can rapidly be deployed in the event of a disaster.

The Economist

It has fuelled new opposition to the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill, which would cap foreign companies' liability at little more than $100m in the event of a disaster.

The Economist

In the event of a disaster, a second rig would be positioned to drill a "relief" well, which would take 157 days, BP says.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the event of a disaster", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly outlines the planned action or response. For instance, "In the event of a disaster, evacuate the building immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "in the event of a disaster" for minor inconveniences. This phrase carries a significant weight, implying a serious and potentially widespread negative outcome. Reserve it for truly catastrophic scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the event of a disaster" functions as a prepositional phrase, specifically an adverbial phrase of condition. It introduces a hypothetical situation and sets the stage for a corresponding action or consequence, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the event of a disaster" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial of condition, commonly employed to introduce contingency plans and specify actions to be taken during emergency situations. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct and very commonly used. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While highly versatile, it should be reserved for genuinely serious scenarios. Alternatives like "in case of a disaster" offer similar meaning with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in case of a disaster

More concise and commonly used alternative with similar meaning.

should a disaster occur

More formal and hypothetical phrasing emphasizing the possibility of a disaster.

if a disaster happens

Simple and direct alternative, suitable for everyday language.

in a disaster scenario

Focuses on the hypothetical situation rather than the specific occurrence.

when disaster strikes

More dramatic phrasing, emphasizing the sudden and impactful nature of a disaster.

in the face of disaster

Highlights resilience and actions taken while dealing with a disaster already happening.

during a catastrophic event

Uses more formal language, specifically focusing on the catastrophic nature of the event.

in times of crisis

Broader term encompassing various types of emergencies, not limited to disasters.

if disaster were to strike

A more emphatic, albeit less common, way to express a hypothetical situation.

in anticipation of a disaster

Focuses on preparing and planning before a disaster occurs.

FAQs

What does "in the event of a disaster" mean?

The phrase "in the event of a disaster" means if a calamitous event occurs. It's used to describe actions or plans that should be followed if a major problem such as a natural disaster, accident, or emergency takes place.

How can I use "in the event of a disaster" in a sentence?

You can use "in the event of a disaster" to introduce a contingency plan. For example, "In the event of a disaster, all personnel should proceed to the designated evacuation point."

What are some alternatives to "in the event of a disaster"?

Alternatives to "in the event of a disaster" include "in case of a disaster", "if a disaster happens", or "should a disaster occur".

Is "in the event of a disaster occurring" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "in the event of a disaster occurring" is somewhat redundant. The phrase "in the event of a disaster" already implies that a disaster is taking place or might take place. A more concise alternative would be just "in the event of a disaster".