in case
"In case" is a versatile phrase used to express precaution or contingency, common in both British and American English.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B1General
(conjunction)To introduce a clause about a possible future event.
Example
- Take an umbrella in case it rains.
B1General
(preposition)To indicate a specific situation or event that might occur.
Example
- In case of emergency, call 911.
B2General
(adverb, informal)To mean 'if' in certain contexts.
Example
- In case I'm late, start without me.
B1General
(idiomatic)To emphasize a precautionary action.
Example
- I'll bring a spare tire, just in case we get a flat.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "in case":
just in casein the eventmake a casecase upcorner casespecial caseuse casecase the jointtest caseif anythingby any chancewhat if