In Case or Incase? Let’s Settle the Case!

Misspellings are a common mistake in English. Some can be only one-time issues, while others, like incase or in case, are used so frequently that they become a serious problem. The best way to understand the differences is to memorize the definitions of both words and learn the general grammar rules of using them in sentences. And today’s article is your one-stop solution to resolve all the issues and comprehend the concept of incase and in case.

The Short History of Incase vs In Case

Before learning the rules of using these words in sentences, we need to find out why these misunderstandings appeared in the first place. The phrase “in case” has several meanings. The most popular ones are:

• Talking about precautions or being prepared for a possible event or situation, for example:

I’ll bring an umbrella in case it rains.

• Providing reasons and explanations for an action or decision, for example:

I packed an extra snack in case I get hungry.

• Introducing a conditional clause under which something might happen or be done, for example:

In case of emergency, call 911.

“Incase” is just a misspelled version of the phrase “in case.” It means you shouldn’t use it in written sentences and text messages, especially if you aim to sound more fluent in English. And now, it is time to discuss all the details of incase or in case meaning and grammar rules.

In Case, Incase, or Encase: Demystifying the Grammar

Another common term you can confuse “incase” with is “encase.” They have similar pronunciations, so there is no wonder why so many people misspell them frequently. However, all three (well, technically, two) words have different grammar and usage. Let’s figure them out together.

In Case Definition, Rules, and Examples

The phrase “in case” can be both a conjunction and an adverb in English grammar. In layman’s terms, it means “in the event of” or “if it’s true that.” There are a few variations of the phrase, including “in case of,” “just in case,” “in that case,” “in no case,” and “in any case.” Let’s talk about each of them separately.

• In case of 

This conjunction is a synonym for “in the event of.” The main difference between it and “in case” is that this one should always be followed by a noun or a noun phrase. Here are some examples:

In case of danger, call Dad. 

You should notify your boss in case of delays. 

The concert will be rescheduled in case of bad weather.

• Just in case

This is another way of using this phrase as an adverb. It describes the unlikeliness of the situation you are going to prepare for. For example, you don’t expect rain, but take an umbrella just in case. Here are some other sentences with this phrase:

She keeps a spare key in her bag just in case she misplaces the original.

He packed an extra stack of clothes just in case he spills something on himself.

Save my phone number just in case you need my help.

• In that case

In layman’s terms, this phrase means “because of the mentioned situation.” The best synonyms for it are the words “then” or “under those circumstances.” For example:

It is not a problem for me to pay for your lunch. In that case, you can treat me next time.

If the tickets are sold out, we can go for a walk instead. In that case, we’ll enjoy some fresh air and have a nice talk.

There’s no pizza left? In that case, I’ll make us sandwiches.

• In no case

This phrase emphasizes that something will occur or be allowed to happen under no circumstances or situations; the best synonyms are “never” or “no way.” Take a look at these examples:

You should, in no case, open the package if it appears damaged.

In no case will the company share your personal information with third parties.

In no case is cheating during the exam acceptable.

• In any case

The last phrase in our list is the opposite of the abovementioned one. It indicates that something remains valid regardless of the situation or circumstances. For example:

I wasn’t planning on going to the birthday party, but in any case, I’ll bring a gift for the host.

Kate didn’t win the competition; in any case, she was proud of her effort and dedication.

The restaurant is usually crowded, but in any case, we can make a reservation to ensure we get a table.

Encase Definition and Examples

Another common misspelling issue happens when people mix up the word “encase” and spell “incase” instead. The term “encase” is a verb that means to enclose or convey something completely, often by placing it inside a protective structure. The best way to memorize the proper spelling of this verb is to remember its meaning. “Enclose” starts with “e,” so “encase” should also begin with the same letter. Here are some examples of using this verb in sentences:

You should encase the delicate artwork in protective foam before shipping it to the gallery. 

She encases the cupcakes in individual boxes for each customer. 

The electronics were carefully encased in a special material during the manufacturing process. 

Our chef is currently encasing the truffles in a layer of dark chocolate.

The ancient artifacts were encased in glass to preserve their delicate and fragile features.

Incase Definition and Examples

Whether you spell “incase” meaning the verb, conjunction, or adverb, remember that it is incorrect. The only way to use this spelling is as a proper noun. Many companies share this name, but the most famous one is Incase Designs Corp. (the one that creates bags and laptop cases). Here are some examples of using this spelling of Incase in case you are talking about this organization:

I want to order a new laptop bag from Incase. 

My mother works for Incase.

I didn’t know where to buy a new bag, so my brother recommended Incase. 

Difference Between In Case and Unless

Sometimes, people misuse the phrase “in case” due to its similarity to other conjunctions. The most frequent example is the word “unless.” Although they have different meanings, they can overlap, causing plenty of misunderstandings. Let’s discuss the main factors to keep in mind when choosing between these two conjunctions. Compare these two sentences:

He won’t bring his jacket unless it’s cold outside. 

She will take her jacket in case it’s cold outside.

They look quite similar, but still differ in their meanings and purposes. The first person is not going to bring their jacket until the weather is bad. In this case, the word “unless” indicates a condition that must be fulfilled for a particular action or outcome to occur. 

However, the person from the second sentence prepares for bad weather before it happens. Here, “in case” expresses preparedness or contingency for a potential event or situation. As you can see, the difference between these conjunctions is subtle yet important. To better memorize it, look at these examples of using in sentences:

I won’t go to the party unless I finish this project.

Take a jacket with you in case it gets cold in the evening.

She won’t buy a dress unless it’s on sale.

Unless you study hard, you won’t pass the exam.

He always carries a backup charger in case his phone battery dies.

In Case or Incase? Find the Answer with Promova

The best way to understand the difference in spelling of the phrase “in case” is to memorize its meaning and grammar rules. However, this task might be tricky for unprepared learners. In that case, they might need some help from language experts. We are thrilled to introduce you to Promova, a language-learning platform with unique features you might need in your study.

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Conclusion

All in all, confusing and misspelling such simple words and phrases is a common problem. And although it looks harmless, it can cause a lot of misunderstandings. We hope that today’s article helped you understand all the nuances and remember key points and rules for using “in case,” “encase,” and even “incase.” Don’t forget to check our blog regularly because we have much more to say.