Learn English | A new lesson every week
Book your course now

In case or In case of?

Average: 4.1 (51 votes)

These two expressions are very similar, they both basically mean if something happens. The main difference in use is grammatical.

The meaning of these two sentences is the same.

She took an umbrella, just in case it rains.
She took an umbrella in case of rain.

In both cases, she took an umbrella because it may rain later.

(Just) in case

In case means because something might happen/occur. It is often used before before a pronoun (In case you feel cold, take my coat) or at the end of a sentence (We don't want to be late so let's wake up early just in case)

in case of (something)

In case of means if there should happen to be / because of the possibility of. It is followed by a noun (In case of fire, ring the alarm bell).

Now decide which form is needed in these sentences:

  • 1 - I brought my wallet ___.



  • 2 - ___ trouble call me.



  • 3 - Take my number ___ you need to call me later.



  • 4 - She took a good book ___ she got bored on the flight.



  • 5 - ___ anyone is hungry, I made sandwiches.



  • 6 - The match will be postposted ___ snow.



  • 7 - Sarah probably told you, but let me tell you again ___.