English grammar
Just in case; in case + present simple
Say you do something just in case, and say what is about to happen or still to be done.
From the scene Just in case
In short
In case + present simple means as a precaution, not if. Just in case at the end means to be safe.
Your turn
Which one goes with in case + present simple?
Options: in case they lose theirs · a copy of today's scenes, just in case · just in case what?
Show answer
in case + present simple → in case they lose theirs
How it works
In case means as a precaution, because something might happen: I keep another copy in case they lose theirs. It is not the same as if.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
I'm not in the mood for sandwiches! ...Well, give me two, (blank).
Options: in case that · just in case · in case of
Show answer
I'm not in the mood for sandwiches! ...Well, give me two, just in case.
¡No estoy para bocadillos! ...Bueno, dame dos, por si acaso.
Good to know
Just in case on its own at the end means to be safe. After in case use the present simple, not will.
to be safe (at the end) a copy of today's scenes, just in case
Javi
A copy of today's scenes, just in case.
Una copia de las escenas de hoy, por si acaso.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: A copy of today's scenes, just in case · In case they lose theirs · Just in case what
Show answer
Javi
A copy of today's scenes, just in case.
Una copia de las escenas de hoy, por si acaso.
in case + present simple in case they lose theirs
Javi
Yes, but I keep another on my drive in case they lose theirs.
Sí, pero yo guardo otra en mi disco por si pierden la suya.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Yes, but I keep another on my drive (blank).
Options: in case they lose theirs · a copy of today's scenes · just in case what
Show answer
Javi
Yes, but I keep another on my drive in case they lose theirs.
Sí, pero yo guardo otra en mi disco por si pierden la suya.
asking back just in case what?
Ramón
Just in case what? The camera crew does that.
¿Por si acaso qué? Eso lo hace el equipo de cámara.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank)? The camera crew does that.
Options: In case they lose theirs · Just in case what · A copy of today's scenes
Show answer
Ramón
Just in case what? The camera crew does that.
¿Por si acaso qué? Eso lo hace el equipo de cámara.
in case ≠ if take a sandwich in case you get hungry (= before, to be ready)
Your turn
What goes with take a sandwich in case you get hungry (= before, to be ready)?
Options: to be safe (at the end) · in case + present simple · in case ≠ if
Show answer
take a sandwich in case you get hungry (= before, to be ready) → in case ≠ if
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| to be safe (at the end) | a copy of today's scenes, just in case |
|---|---|
| in case + present simple | in case they lose theirs |
| asking back | just in case what? |
| in case ≠ if | take a sandwich in case you get hungry (= before, to be ready) |
More lines from the story
- RamónI'm not in the mood for sandwiches! ...Well, give me two, just in case.¡No estoy para bocadillos! ...Bueno, dame dos, por si acaso.
- RamónAnd my money still hasn't arrived. My doorway isn't free!Y mi dinero todavía está por llegar. ¡Mi portal no es gratis!
- NuriaJavi, hurry up! The scene is about to start.¡Javi, date prisa! La escena está para empezar.