The chunks of English (2): (just) in case...

Let's begin with a couple of mini-dialogues:

EXAMPLE 1:
(A is getting ready to go on a day trip)

A: The weather looks OK, doesn't it?
B: Yes, but you'd better take an umbrella, in case it rains later.

EXAMPLE 2:
(Just as A is leaving the house, B sees him putting a notebook and pencil in his pocket)

B: Do you always take a notebook with you when you go out?
A: Yes, always. Even if I'm only walking down the road to the supermarket.
B: Why?
A: Well, it's just in case I suddenly get a good idea for work or study. I can write it down straight away and then I won't forget it.

QUESTIONS (EXAMPLE 1):
Is it raining now? - No.
Is it going to rain later? - Possibly.
What tense is used after in case? - Present tense.

QUESTIONS (EXAMPLE 2):
Does A have any good ideas now? - No.
Is it possible that he will get some good ideas later? - Yes.
What tense is used after just in case? - Present tense.

The phrase, (just) in case, is used in situations where we want to say:
- It is possible that X will happen, therefore it is a good idea to do Y.

NOTE:
When we are talking about future possibilities, we use the present tense after (just) in case. We say just in case it rains, NOT just in case it will rain.

(just) in case... (Some more points)

Sometimes we can use just in case at the end of a clause. Here it is similar to the Japanese expression, 念のため:

A: Do you think it will rain today?
B: No, but you'd better take an umbrella, just in case.
In this example, it is clear that just in case refers to the possibility of rain.

(Just) in case can also be used at the beginning of a sentence:

Just in case I don't see you before the exam, I'll wish you good luck now.

Just in case anyone didn't understand, I'll explain the rules of this game one more time.

Just in case you are wondering why I look so tired, it's because I was working till 11 p.m. last night.

Exercise

Finish the sentences below, with ideas of your own:

I always keep a bottle of water next to my bed in case...
Take some sandwiches with you in case...
You'd better take the keys in case...
Just in case you're wondering why there are so many police officers in the high street today,...
In case I don't see you before the exam, ....

Here's a quotation from the movie, The Truman Show, 1998. Can you finish it?
- Good morning and, in case I don't see you, ....

When you've finished, please click here to see some suggested answers.

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Bob's One-Point Weekly Lesson Archive