The expression “Just in case” is very common in English. That means it’s very useful too! Follow along with my blog post and start using this expression in your own English conversations.
Just in case is a way to say that “IF something happens” one wants to be prepared.
“There are a few dark clouds in the sky, I have to make a quick trip to the store so I think I’ll take my umbrella with me just in case.”
I will take my umbrella so I am prepared IF rain happens.
Keep reading and we will look at 4 natural English expressions that use IN CASE. Understand how to use this expression with easy-to-understand examples. Put some extra tools in your English toolbox!
Just In Case
I’ll leave a note for Tracy just in case she arrives before we get back.
In That Case
A: The CEO is coming tomorrow.
B: In that case, we need to tidy up the office.
In Case
We have more pizza in case you’re still hungry.
In Case Of
In case of emergency call 911.
JUST IN CASE – meaning
The adverb JUST has 14 definitions according to Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries! Some you can imagine easily and a few are not so common. Here is the meaning of JUST IN CASE.
(JUST) IN CASE – because of the possibility of something happening
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com – just
The preposition IN can mean – within the shape of something; surrounded by something
oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com – in
The noun CASE means – a particular situation or a situation of a particular type
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com – case
Just in case means that “IF something happens” you want to be prepared. So IF you find yourself inside (IN) a particular situation (CASE) you will be ready.
Please look at the following example:
- There are a few dark clouds in the sky, I have to make a quick trip to the store so I think I’ll take my umbrella with me just in case.
Let’s break down the example:
“There are a few dark clouds in the sky.” = there is a possibility of rain today.
“…I think I’ll take my umbrella with me…” = I will be prepared. I will do this because of the possibility of rain.
“.…JUST IN CASE.” = IF something happens. (In this example – IF it rains.)
Just In Case – Meaning with context
We can imagine that the weather forecast doesn’t expect rain today, but there are a few dark clouds in the sky. It makes us think that there is a small chance it will rain.
The meaning of our example sentence is – The chances are small that it will rain today, but if it does rain it will be no problem because I will have an umbrella.
Just In Case – more examples
- I am having a party tonight. I expect 10 people to come but I bought some extra wine just in case more people arrive.
I think I will have 10 people at my party… but IF more people come I will have enough wine because I bought extra.
- I’ll leave a note for Tracy just in case she arrives before we get back.
- We have an important meeting at 7:00 am. I don’t want to be late so I will leave very early, just in case.
We can end the sentence with just in case because it’s easy to imagine why it is better to leave early if you don’t want to be late. Traffic jams, train delays, bad weather, etc. can cause problems. If we leave early we have extra time. We are prepared, and we won’t be late.
Just in case – In a conversation
A: “Your apartment is always so clean!”
B: “Thanks, I like to be ready for guests at all times. Just in case some friends drop by unexpectedly.”
A: My plane was late and I missed my connecting flight. I had to stay overnight at an airport hotel. What a hassle!
B: That’s why I always buy travel insurance, just in case something like this happened.
In Case by itself
We can use IN CASE by itself to mean – if it is true that
Please look at the following examples.
- We have more pizza in case you’re still hungry.
(If it is true that you are still hungry.)
- There are no anchovies on the pizza in case you were worried.
(If it’s true that you were worried.)
- You should take your umbrella now in case it’s raining when you come home tonight.
(If it’s true that it will rain tonight)
- Lisa always keeps breath mints in her purse in case she doesn’t have time to brush her teeth after lunch.
(If it’s true that Lisa doesn’t have time to brush her teeth she will use the breath mints to freshen her breath.)
The verb FRESHEN comes from adding the Suffix -EN to the adjective FRESH. Easily increase your English vocabulary with The Suffix EN Your Best Guide (free PDF download)
In That Case
IN THAT CASE means – if that situation happens or has happened
This expression is used after we receive new information that affects our current plans. It’s often used at the beginning of a sentence.
Please look at the following examples.
- A: Kevin just called, he has to work late tonight and can’t meet us.
B: In that case, let’s meet on Saturday instead. It’s better if everyone is here.
– If that happens (that = Kevin can’t come) then meeting on Saturday is a better idea.
- A: Staff from the head office will be here on Wednesday.
B: In that case, we need to clean up the office. Everyone make sure your desks are neat and tidy.
– It’s good if our office is clean when that happens (that = when staff from head office visits us.)
- A: The boss went through everyone’s reports and he was happy with your work.
B: In that case let’s go home early tonight.
– The boss was happy with our work (that happened) so we should leave work early today.
In Case Of (something)
- Everyone should know how to perform CPR in case of an emergency.
We often see this expression on emergency signs.
- Break glass in case of fire.
- In case of emergency call 911.
Just In Case – In the NEWS
‘Squid Game’ Creator Planted S2 Clues ‘Just in Case‘ There Was Another Season
LINK
Working in retirement: Why you need a backup plan just in case
LINK
Timmy Trumpet – Just In Case (Lyrics) | Just in case
Printable Just In Case PDF E-guide
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