Using In Case
We use in case to talk about precautions – things we should do in order to be ready for possible future situations.
- I always carry an umbrella in case it rains.
After in case, we use a present tense to refer to the future.
In case … should
We often use should + infinitive after in case.
- I wrote down her address in case I should forget it.
Should happen to or happened to is also possible after in case with this meaning.
Compare:
- I have bought a bottle of wine in case John comes.
- I have bought a bottle of wine in case John should come.
- have bought a bottle of wine in case John should happen to come.
- I have bought a bottle of wine in case John happened to come.