In case of - in the case of

Other uses of the word case are dealt with in AWE. Here we try to clarify the difference between two common phrases - a problem on which non-native speakers of English sometimes stumble.

There is a subtle difference between th phrase in case of and in the case of which can make problems for writers whose first language is not English. Be alert to this difference, and try to master it. It is not easy or simple.

• In case of is a more general expression. You will see small red boxes on the walls of public buildings such as university libraries with the sign "In case of fire, break glass". This is a general

expression meaning 'If fire happens to start'. In general in case can be used as a conjunction meaning much the same as if: "In case it should be assumed that America refers to the United States, it should be pointed out here that the word is used to refer to the two continents of North America and South America."

• • In colloquial English, this meaning is extended to another phrase, just in case or, more briefly, in case. This is used to mean 'in the chance that something should happen', without spelling out what the 'something' is. "You'd better take an umbrella in case" (i.e. of rain) is an unwanted something; "Just leave a ticket with the man at the turnstile in case" (i.e. of my being able to come and collect it) is a more desirable something. Hopeful young people should carry a condom in case.
• In the case of is in origin a more specific expression. It is used in law to refer to a particular trial, and by extension in other areas. It can be used loosely to mean much the same as in case: you are recommended not to imitate this use.

In any case (= "at all events, anyhow", OED), if English is not your first language, you should be careful about using in case of and in the case of".