“in case” vs “if” in English

” IN CASE ” VS ”  IF ” 

” in case “ and ” if “, both of them, can be confused each other. Although we can see or use them in same sentences, they have different meanings.  

Here you can find basic differences between them in terms of their uses and meanings. 

You can see their uses and related examples below. ( Differences between ” in case ” and ” if ” )

1. “IN CASE” ( PRECAUTIONARY ACTION )

“in case” AS A CONJUNCTION  ( ACTION/PLAN + in case + POSSIBLE REASON )

“in case” is used to talk about things we should do in order to be prepared for possible future situations. 

Shortly , we can say that

• “in case” introduces “possibility”.
•  We can use “in case” to represent the precautions taken due to the possibility.
•  We should do an action before something happens or might happen.

You can see many examples related to using “in case” below;

2. ” IF “

” if “ AS A CONDITIONAL  ( ACTION/PLAN + if + CONDITION )

” if ” is used to express the condition of the clause. 

Shortly , we can say that

• ” if “ introduces “condition”.
•  We can use ” if “ to represent the actions happening due to the condition.
•  We should do an action after something happens or might happen.

You can see many examples related to using “if” below;

For detailed information about using “in case” in English, click here

For Conditionals – Type 0, click here

For Conditionals – Type 1, click here

For Conditionals – Type 2, click here

For Conditionals – Type 3, click here

For Conditionals – Mixed Type, click here