"in case" vs "in the case"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

Which of the following sentences is more accurate? Please give a brief explanation.

[color=blue]1. In the case of any accounting number, always ask whether it is an annual number or quarterly number.

  1. In case of any accounting number, always ask whether it is an annual number or quarterly number.

Thanks,

MG.

2

“in case” is a common collocation. However I don’t know if people ever use “in the case of”

3

Hi Musicgold,

‘In the case of’ is used to refer to a particular object or situation as in: In the case of people arriving late at the theatre, the manager has the right to stop them entering the auditorium. In other words ‘in the case of’ here suggests - when/if that happens.

‘In case’ suggests ‘if’ together with a sense of precaution or early warning as in: I always take an umbrella with me in April in case it rains.

Alan

4

Hi, Alan

Can we say “In case people arrive late at the theatre, the manager has the right to stop them entering the auditorium” ?

Thanks!

5

Hi Alex,

I like the idea of the contrast between what you wrote and I wrote but I’m not really sure yours works. I think the following sentence after the ‘in case’ sentence has to be a positive action. The idea would be: 'In case people arrive late, the manager leaves a side door open.

Nevertheless, an interesting point.

Alan

6

Thanks Alan.