English Grammar
IN CASE - UNLESS
How and when to use 'in case' and 'unless' in English.
IN CASE, IN CASE OF, UNLESS : how and when to use them.
- IN CASE
In case expresses the possibility of something happening.
It is used to express the idea of doing something to avoid a possible problem later on.
It gives the reason for an action.
- Take an umbrella in case it rains.
= There is a possibility that it will rain, so it's a good idea to take an umbrella. - You'd better take a coat in case it gets cold later on.
= It could get cold later on, so it might be safer to take a coat.
- Take an umbrella in case it rains.
- IN CASE + 'of'
In case of means 'if there is' or 'if (something) should happen'.
- In case of emergency, call this
number.
= If there is an emergency, call this number. - In case of breakdown, please press the red button to call for assistance.
= If the lift breaks down, please press the red button.
- In case of emergency, call this
number.
- UNLESS
Unless means 'except if' or 'only if'.
Unless replaces 'if' + a negative verb.
- Sally won't come unless you invite Harry.
Meaning:- Sally won't come except if you invite Harry.
- Sally will only come if you invite Harry.
- If you don't invite Harry, Sally won't come.
- We will have a picnic unless it rains.
Meaning:- We will have a picnic except if it rains.
- If it doesn't rain we will have a picnic.
- If it rains, we won't have a picnic.
- Sally won't come unless you invite Harry.