
In case
Indicating Emergency Plans
Adverbs for urgent conditions
- in case – if in an urgent situation
- in the event – if in an emergency
- should – if
Phrases Introducing Conditions
| CONDITION | PLAN |
|---|---|
Subordinating conjunction + dependent clause |
independent clause |
In the event (that) you need to reach me, |
call my cell phone. |
In case you need to reach me, |
call my home. |
Should you need to reach me, |
call me at work. |
Verb Tense
| CONDITION | PLAN / RESULT |
|---|---|
The conditional clause introduces the time frame. |
The intended plan may be habitual or customary. |
In the event (that) a hurricane approaches, (present & future) |
a siren sounds. (present & future) |
In case it rained, (past) |
we left an umbrella in the car. (past habitual - whenever) |
Should you need to reach me, (present anytime & future) |
I will be available by cell phone. (future) |
Commas
| CONDITION – INITIAL POSITION | CONDITION – MID-POSITON |
|---|---|
Use a comma when beginning with the conditional clause. |
No comma is needed when using standard sentence order. |
In the event (that) you need to reach me, call me. |
Call me in the event you need me. |
In case you need to reach me, call me. |
Call me in case you need me. |
Should you need to reach me, call me. |
Call me should you need me. |
Common Mistakes
| ERROR | FIX |
|---|---|
In the event (that) you will have a car accident, call your insurance agent immediately. |
In the event (that) you have a car accident, call your insurance agent immediately. (present & future) Future is implied with the present tense verb. |
In case he had forgotten to bring water, we carried our own. (earlier past) |
In case he forgot to bring water, we carried our own. |
Should she needs a ride, call me. (present anytime & future) |
Should she need a ride, call me. (present anytime & future) |
Practice 1
Probability
- Select the word from each menu that best completes the sentence. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement.
- Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button to the right.
Practice 2
Alternate Plans
- Select the word from each menu that best completes the sentence. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement.
- Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button to the right.
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