Incase or In Case? Which to Use?

The phrase in case is commonly used in English to express the idea of preparing for a possible future event or situation. However, many people mistakenly write incase as a single word, which is not correct in standard English. Understanding the difference between in case and incase is important for clear communication, especially in formal writing. In this article, we will explore the correct usage of in case, explain why incase is incorrect, provide examples, and include practice questions with answers to help you master the distinction.

The Correct Phrase: In Case

Definition and Usage

In case is a two-word phrase used to refer to a situation in which you are preparing for something that might happen, often something undesirable. It expresses precaution, readiness, or planning.

  • Examples:
  • Take an umbrella in case it rains.
    (Here, in case introduces a precaution for the possibility of rain.)
  • I brought extra snacks in case we get hungry on the trip.
  • You should save your work frequently in case the computer crashes.

In these examples, in case is used to indicate that an action is being taken to prepare for a potential future event that may or may not happen.

Grammar of In Case

As a grammatical structure, in case is typically followed by a subject and a verb, forming a subordinate clause that explains the possible event being prepared for.

  • Structure:
    In case + [subject] + [verb]
  • In case + it + rains
  • In case + we + get hungry
  • In case + the computer + crashes

This structure allows the speaker to convey conditional thinking or contingency planning.

Synonyms

Some synonyms or alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to in case include:

  • If (used in a conditional sense):
  • Take an umbrella if it rains.
  • Just in case:
  • I’ll pack some extra water just in case we get thirsty.

However, in case is more specific in expressing preparation for a possible event, whereas if might be used more generally.

The Incorrect Usage: Incase

Why Incase Is Incorrect

The word incase is not a valid word in modern English when used as a substitute for in case (two words). Many people mistakenly write incase as one word, but this is a spelling error.

The confusion likely arises because some English words that sound similar to in case are written as one word, such as insofar or indeed. However, in case should always be written as two separate words when used to introduce a conditional clause or express precaution.

Exceptions: Incase as a Verb

Although incase is incorrect when used in place of in case, it does exist as a verb (though it is rare). When incase is used as a verb, it means “to enclose” or “to cover something.” This usage is uncommon, and most people will never need to use the verb form of incase in everyday writing.

  • Example of Correct Usage (as a verb):
  • The ancient artifact was incased in glass to protect it from damage.

In this case, incase is a transitive verb meaning to encase or enclose something. However, this version of incase is distinct from the phrase in case, which introduces a conditional or precautionary idea.

Common Mistakes Involving Incase and In Case

Let’s look at some common mistakes people make when using incase and in case:

  1. Incorrect:
    I brought an umbrella incase it rains.
    Correct:
    I brought an umbrella in case it rains.
    Explanation: The correct form is in case because we are expressing a precautionary action for the possibility of rain.
  2. Incorrect:
    We should leave early incase there’s traffic.
    Correct:
    We should leave early in case there’s traffic.
    Explanation: Again, in case is the correct phrase to use when preparing for a possible event.
  3. Incorrect:
    I saved the document incase the power goes out.
    Correct:
    I saved the document in case the power goes out.
    Explanation: The correct usage is in case because it refers to preparation for a future event (a power outage).

Examples of Correct Usage of In Case

Here are more examples of how to properly use in case in sentences:

  1. Precautionary Actions:
  • Bring a jacket in case it gets cold later.
  • I’ll leave my phone number with the hotel receptionist in case you need to reach me.
  1. Contingency Plans:
  • We should take an alternate route in case the main road is closed.
  • I brought extra batteries in case the flashlight dies.
  1. Everyday Preparations:
  • You should always carry a first-aid kit in case of an emergency.
  • I’m setting an alarm in case I fall asleep early.

In each of these examples, in case is used to express readiness or precaution for a possible event.

Practice Questions

To help you practice and reinforce your understanding of in case versus incase, try answering the following questions.

Question 1:

Which sentence is correct?

  • a) I’ll bring my charger incase my phone battery dies.
  • b) I’ll bring my charger in case my phone battery dies.

Answer:
b) I’ll bring my charger in case my phone battery dies.

Explanation: In case is correct because it expresses a precautionary action for the possibility of the phone battery dying.

Question 2:

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase (in case or incase).

  • Please write down your travel details _ we need to contact you.

Answer:
Please write down your travel details in case we need to contact you.

Explanation: In case is correct because it is used to express a precaution for the future possibility of needing to contact someone.

Question 3:

Choose the correct sentence:

  • a) I’ll pack an extra pair of shoes incase mine get wet.
  • b) I’ll pack an extra pair of shoes in case mine get wet.

Answer:
b) I’ll pack an extra pair of shoes in case mine get wet.

Explanation: The correct phrase is in case, as it refers to preparation for the possibility of the shoes getting wet.

Question 4:

True or False:
Incase is an acceptable alternative spelling of in case.

Answer:
False.

Explanation: Incase is not an acceptable alternative spelling of in case. The correct form is always in case (two words) when referring to a precautionary situation.

Question 5:

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase (in case or incase).

  • You should always back up your files _ something happens to your computer.

Answer:
You should always back up your files in case something happens to your computer.

Explanation: In case is correct because it refers to taking precautions for the possible event of something happening to the computer.

Conclusion

In summary, the correct phrase is in case, which is always written as two words when used to express precaution or preparation for a possible event. The phrase in case is commonly used in both formal and informal writing to indicate readiness for something that might happen in the future.

On the other hand, incase as a single word is incorrect when used in the place of in case. While incase does exist as a verb meaning “to enclose” or “to cover something,” this usage is rare and should not be confused with the far more common phrase in case.

By understanding the difference between in case and incase, and practicing correct usage, you can avoid common mistakes and communicate more clearly in both written and spoken English. Be sure to use in case whenever you are referring to taking precautions or preparing for potential future events!

/by