Ampersand Lab

Intermediate grammar · Lesson 114 · B2

in case

Use in case to give the reason for doing something now: because a later problem is possible. In case is not the same as if, and it is not followed by will.

Start the lesson

13Steps · about 22 minutes

In this lesson

in case: because it is possibleA3 screens of questions
in case and if are differentB2 screens of questions
in case + pastC1 screen of questions
in case ofD1 screen of questions

Point A of 4

in case: because it is possible

You should keep a torch in the house in case there is a power cut.

in case something happens = because it is possible that it will happen.

Use just in case for a smaller possibility. will never follows in case (compare Unit 25). The present does the job perfectly well.

  • I'll save the document now in case the computer crashes. (= because it is possible the computer will crash)
  • Shall I send you the directions in case your satnav doesn't work?
  • I'll ring the restaurant in case they've lost our booking. (= because it is possible they have lost it)
  • I don't think we'll need the tent, but I'll pack it just in case.
  • I'll save it now in case the computer crashes. (not in case it will crash)

Point A · Exercise 114.1 · part 1 of 2

Kerry is cycling to Whitby on her own. You are worried about her, because perhaps she will get a puncture, it is possible she will get lost, maybe it will get cold, perhaps she will get hungry, it might get dark, and maybe she will get bored. You advise her what to do. Complete the sentences using in case.

  1. Example

    Take a repair kit in case you get a puncture.

    AnswerTake a repair kit in case you get a puncture.

  2. You should take some sandwiches .

  3. You'll need a warm jumper .

  4. Take your lights .

  5. Don't forget your map .

Point A · Exercise 114.1 · part 2 of 2

Kerry is cycling to Whitby on her own. You are worried about her, because perhaps she will get a puncture, it is possible she will get lost, maybe it will get cold, perhaps she will get hungry, it might get dark, and maybe she will get bored. You advise her what to do. Complete the sentences using in case.

  1. Shall I come with you ?

Point A · Exercise 114.2

What do you say in each situation? Use in case.

  1. Example

    Your plumber might need to ring you while you are at work, so you give him your number.

    I'll give you my number in case you need to ring me.

    AnswerI'll give you my number in case you need to ring me.

  2. A colleague starts a new job next week. Perhaps you will not see her again before she goes, so you decide to wish her luck now.

    I'll say good luck now .

  3. You are packing for a trip with a friend. You think you have everything, but maybe you have forgotten something. Your friend has the checklist, and you ask him to look at it.

    Can you ?

  4. A friend has just ordered a jacket online without checking the size. Maybe it will not fit, so you advise her to keep the box.

    Keep .

Point B of 4

in case and if are different

in case gives the reason for doing, or not doing, something. You act now in case something happens later.

If is a condition: you act only when the thing happens.

in case if
We'll make extra sandwiches in case Ella comes. (We make them now, whether she comes or not. If she does come, they are ready.) We'll make extra sandwiches if Ella comes. (If she comes, we make more. If she does not, we do not.)
I'll leave you a key in case you need to get in. You can use this key if you need to get in.
You should back up your files in case your laptop is stolen. You should tell the police if your laptop is stolen.
  • We'll make extra sandwiches in case Ella comes.
  • We'll make extra sandwiches if Ella comes.
  • You should back up your files in case your laptop is stolen.
  • You should tell the police if your laptop is stolen.

Point B · Exercise 114.4 · part 1 of 2

Put in in case or if.

  1. Example

    I'll leave the porch light on ___ you get back late.

    in case

    AnswerI'll leave the porch light on in case you get back late.

  2. Example

    Tell a member of staff ___ you see anything suspicious.

    if

    AnswerTell a member of staff if you see anything suspicious.

  3. I hope you'll visit Edinburgh one day. ___ you do, come and stay with us.

  4. I backed up all my photos ___ my laptop broke down.

  5. This scarf is Mo's. Could you give it to him ___ you see him?

  6. Put a label on your suitcase ___ the airline loses it.

Point B · Exercise 114.4 · part 2 of 2

Put in in case or if.

  1. Ring this number ___ your card is lost or stolen.

  2. The smoke alarm will go off ___ you burn the toast.

  3. Hide your bag under the seat ___ somebody looks into the car.

  4. I took out travel insurance ___ I had to cancel the trip.

Point C of 4

in case + past

in case + past explains why someone did something earlier.

  • I left her a key in case she needed to get in. (= because it was possible she would need to get in)
  • I wrote the directions down for Tom in case he got lost.
  • We knocked again in case they hadn't heard us the first time.

Point C · Exercise 114.3

Complete the sentences using in case.

  1. Example

    It was possible that the trains would be late, so I left early.

    I left early in case the trains were late.

    AnswerI left early in case the trains were late.

  2. I thought I might forget the address, so I wrote it on my hand.

    I wrote the address on my hand .

  3. I thought my sister might be lonely, so I went round to see her.

    I went round to see my sister .

  4. I rang Dan, but he didn't answer. I left a voicemail, because maybe he hadn't heard the phone.

    I left him a voicemail .

  5. On holiday I met a couple from Glasgow. They said they might visit Bristol one day. I live in Bristol, so I gave them my address.

    I gave them my address .

Point D of 4

in case of

In case of means if there is. It appears mostly on notices and in instructions, where nobody has room for a whole clause.

  • In case of fire, do not use the lift. (= if there is a fire)
  • In case of difficulty, please ask at reception. (= if there is any difficulty)

Point D · Extra practice

Complete each notice with in case of.

  1. fire, do not use the lift.

  2. difficulty, please ask at reception.

  3. emergency, break the glass.

Lesson 114 · Result

How you did

Next lesson: unless as long as providedBack to the course

–Right

Each point

A. in case: because it is possible–Not checkedB. in case and if are different–Not checkedC. in case + past–Not checkedD. in case of–Not checked