in case

por si

Introduce algo que podría ocurrir después y para lo que se toman medidas ahora.

En inglés sencillo: Do something now because another thing might happen later.

• Take a coat in case it gets cold.
• I saved a copy in case my computer failed.
• Should we buy extra food in case more guests come?

Cómo se usa: in case + clause (Take your keys in case I leave early.)

Sinónimos: as a precaution against the possibility that

Expresiones frecuentes: just in case, in case something happens, in case it rains

si, en caso de que

Introduce una situación de la que depende lo que ocurrirá después.

En inglés sencillo: Use this to say what will happen if a particular situation occurs.

• In case you need me, call.
• In case she calls, tell her I am busy.
• In case anything goes wrong, who should we contact?

Cómo se usa: in case + clause (In case you need help, call this number.)

Sinónimos: if

Expresiones frecuentes: in case you need, in case anything happens, in case someone calls

por si, en previsión de

Indica que se toma una precaución ante un problema que podría surgir.

En inglés sencillo: Do something because an unwanted event or situation is possible.

• Keep a torch in case of a power cut.
• We checked again in case we had missed a name.
• She kept a spare key in case of trouble.

Cómo se usa: in case of + noun (Keep some cash in case of an emergency.); in case + clause (Check the list in case we forgot someone.)

Sinónimos: as a precaution against

Expresiones frecuentes: just in case, in case of fire, in case of emergency

en caso de, si

Presenta una situación que debe darse para que ocurra otra cosa.

En inglés sencillo: This introduces a situation that must happen for something else to follow.

• In case of illness, stay home.
• What happens in case the bus is late?
• The ticket is refunded in case of cancellation.

Cómo se usa: in case of + noun (In case of cancellation, you will receive a refund.); in case + clause (What should we do in case nobody arrives?)

Sinónimos: if, in the event of

Expresiones frecuentes: in case of failure, in case of illness, in case she comes