then in case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then in case" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you are discussing a conditional situation, but it is better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "If the weather is bad, then in case we need to cancel the event, we will notify everyone."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Then, in case we missed the Point, each Symbol becomes the trigger for its story's conclusion.

The New York Times - Books

Then, in case someone is still tempted, he removes the saddle and puts it in his rucksack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And then in case you — of course you get your share of celebrities who are involved in this particular as well.

Yale University

And then, in case there were any room for doubt, he adds cheerfully: "Yeah, I had a camera shoved up my arse".

The Guardian

Then, in case that feels a queasy prospect, add in the need to wind down the massive over-borrowing by British families, albeit mainly on mortgages.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, in case West had three diamonds to the queen, South played a diamond to his ace and returned a diamond to dummy's king.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

It's conceivable then, in cases like that, the suffering of your children, were you to kill yourself, would outweigh the suffering that you'd have to undergo were you to keep yourself alive for the sake of your children.

Yale University

Then, in case-control datasets, it removes a percentage (user specified) of cases and replace them with individuals sampled from the control individuals in the full population and assign them the affected status.

Plosone

Followed by spin, reverse spin and then - in case you missed it - back spin.

The Guardian

And then, just in case, there's the name too, in monolithic type: 'Leonardo DiCaprio'.

The Guardian - Film

And then, just in case we hadn't got that, he added another "oooooohhhh".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, consider replacing "then in case" with more precise alternatives like "if so" or "in that event", especially in formal writing. This enhances readability and avoids potential ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "then in case" repeatedly in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "in the event that" or "should this occur" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then in case" functions as a conditional conjunction, linking a prior action or condition with a subsequent action contingent upon the first. It introduces a scenario where something will happen if a preceding condition is met.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

43%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then in case" acts as a conditional connector, indicating a subsequent action contingent on a preceding event. While understandable, Ludwig AI reports that the phrase can benefit from alternatives that provide improved clarity, especially in formal contexts. Common replacements include "if so", "in that event", or "should that occur". Although used across various source types, including news, scientific, and academic writing, opting for more precise wording enhances the overall quality of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if so

Offers a more concise conditional statement.

in that event

Provides a formal alternative emphasizing a potential outcome.

if that happens

Highlights a condition with a focus on the action occurring.

should that occur

Formal and emphasizes the potential for something to happen.

in such circumstances

Focuses on the specific situation that prompts the action.

in those instances

Highlights specific occurrences.

under those conditions

Emphasizes the requirements needed for the action.

if this is the situation

More verbose, directly referencing the current state.

subsequently, should this arise

Combines sequence and conditionality.

thereupon, if the situation warrants

Formal and emphasizes immediate action after the condition.

FAQs

What does "then in case" mean?

"Then in case" introduces a conditional action or consequence following a prior condition. It implies "if something happens, then take this action".

How can I use "then in case" in a sentence?

You can use it to specify a secondary action that depends on a first action, but consider using alternatives like "if so" or "in that event" for more clarity.

Is "then in case" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "then in case" can sound awkward. It's better to use alternatives for clearer communication, especially in formal writing.

What are some alternatives to "then in case"?

Alternatives include "if so", "in that event", or "should that occur", depending on the level of formality and desired emphasis.