English grammar
Planning for risks: what if…? / in the event of + noun (in case = a precaution, not if)
Plan for risks: ask what if…?, use in the event of in a plan, and keep in case for precautions.
From the scene What if it doesn't work?
In short
Raise a risk with what if + present simple. In plans and notices, say in the event of + noun.
Your turn
Which one goes with what if + present simple, not will?
Options: what if it doesn't work? · in the event of losses / of fire · what if the baby arrives before the opening?
Show answer
what if + present simple, not will → what if the baby arrives before the opening?
How it works
To raise a risk in conversation, ask what if + present simple: what if it doesn't work?
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
And in case you (blank) help, we're all here.
Options: will need · needing · need
Show answer
And in case you need help, we're all here.
Y en caso de necesitar ayuda, aquí estamos todos.
Good to know
In plans, contracts and notices, the formal version is in the event of + noun: in the event of fire.
Good to know
You already know in case, but it means as a precaution, not if: she's packed a bag in case the baby comes early.
Good to know
So don't say in case it doesn't work? when you mean what if.
raising a risk in conversation what if it doesn't work?
Elena
Oh, really? And what if it doesn't work?
¿Ah, sí? ¿Y en caso de que no funcione?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Oh, really? And (blank)?
Options: what if the baby arrives before the opening · in the event of losses · what if it doesn't work
Show answer
Elena
Oh, really? And what if it doesn't work?
¿Ah, sí? ¿Y en caso de que no funcione?
what if + present simple, not will what if the baby arrives before the opening?
Elena
And what if the baby arrives before the opening?
¿Y en caso de que el bebé llegue antes de la inauguración?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And (blank)?
Options: in the event of losses · what if the baby arrives before the opening · what if it doesn't work
Show answer
Elena
And what if the baby arrives before the opening?
¿Y en caso de que el bebé llegue antes de la inauguración?
formal, in plans and notices: in the event of + noun in the event of losses / of fire
Tomás
In the event of losses, I close and go back to my fruit stall.
En caso de pérdidas, cierro y vuelvo a mi puesto de fruta.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), I close and go back to my fruit stall.
Options: What if it doesn't work · What if the baby arrives before the opening · In the event of losses
Show answer
Tomás
In the event of losses, I close and go back to my fruit stall.
En caso de pérdidas, cierro y vuelvo a mi puesto de fruta.
a precaution (not the same as if) we're all here in case you need help
Your turn
What goes with we're all here in case you need help?
Options: raising a risk in conversation · what if + present simple, not will · a precaution (not the same as if)
Show answer
we're all here in case you need help → a precaution (not the same as if)
the short precaution at the end just in case
Tomás
Marisa already has her suitcase packed. Just in case.
Marisa ya tiene la maleta hecha. Por si acaso.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Marisa already has her suitcase packed. (blank).
Options: What if the baby arrives before the opening · Just in case · What if it doesn't work
Show answer
Tomás
Marisa already has her suitcase packed. Just in case.
Marisa ya tiene la maleta hecha. Por si acaso.
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
| raising a risk in conversation | what if it doesn't work? |
|---|---|
| what if + present simple, not will | what if the baby arrives before the opening? |
| formal, in plans and notices: in the event of + noun | in the event of losses / of fire |
| a precaution (not the same as if) | we're all here in case you need help |
| the short precaution at the end | just in case |
More lines from the story
- NuriaAnd in case you need help, we're all here.Y en caso de necesitar ayuda, aquí estamos todos.
- NuriaAnd in the event of fire? Do you have insurance?¿Y en caso de incendio? ¿Tenéis seguro?