Incase vs. In Case: Which Is Correct?

You might have seen both incase and in case online, but only one is usually correct in English.

✅ In case — correct phrase meaning “if” or “as a precaution.”
❌ Incase — wrong in most contexts (except as a rare verb meaning “to enclose”).

1. In Case: The Correct Phrase

Meaning

“In case” is a two-word phrase used to mean if something happens or to be prepared for something.
It’s a conjunction or prepositional phrase, depending on how it’s used.

It shows reason, condition, or precaution.

Examples (10 total)

1. Take an umbrella in case it rains.
2. I saved your number in case I need help later.
3. Bring some cash in case the card machine doesn’t work.
4. She left early in case there was traffic.
5. I’ll call you in case anything changes.
6. He packed extra clothes in case it gets cold.
7. Let’s make a backup in case the file is lost.
8. They brought snacks in case the trip takes longer.
9. Write it down in case you forget.
10. Keep my number handy in case of emergencies.

🧠 Tip:
If it means as a precaution or if something happens, it’s in case — two words.

2. Incase: Usually Incorrect

Most of the time, “incase” is ❌ a misspelling of in case.

However, “incase” can sometimes appear as a rare verb meaning to enclose, cover, or surround something.
It comes from “encase” — and is almost never used in modern English.

Examples (when it’s actually correct)

1. The fossils were incased in stone.
2. The statue was incased in glass for protection.
3. The seed is incased in a hard shell.

But even in these rare examples, “encase” is the preferred spelling.

✅ The fossils were encased in stone.
❌ The fossils were incased in stone.

So, in most writing, “incase” = incorrect.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 If it means “if” → use in case (two words).
👉 If it means “cover something” → use encase (with an “e”).

💡 Memory Trick:

“In case” keeps you safe just in case you forget!

5. Common Mistakes

❌ Take your coat incase it rains.
✅ Take your coat in case it rains.

❌ Call me incase you’re late.
✅ Call me in case you’re late.

❌ I’ll pack snacks incase we get hungry.
✅ I’ll pack snacks in case we get hungry.

6. Why People Mix Them Up

They sound exactly the same when spoken, so writers often merge them into one word by mistake.
But grammatically, in case is a phrase — not a single word.
Even AI text detectors can miss such errors, but Humanizey can fix subtle grammar mistakes like this automatically.

FAQs

1. Is “incase” ever correct?

Only as a rare or old-fashioned verb meaning to enclose — but encase is better.

2. Can I start a sentence with “in case”?

Yes. Example: In case you’re wondering, I already finished the report.

3. Is “in case of” different from “in case”?

Slightly.

• In case → means “if something happens.”
• In case of → means “in the event of.”
  Example: In case of fire, call 911.

4. Is “in case” formal?

Yes, it’s fine in both casual and professional writing.

Practice: Choose the Correct Form (“In Case” or “Incase”)

(Answers are listed at the end.)

1. Take your phone ___ you get lost.
2. I saved your contact ___ I need it later.
3. The fossils were ___ in ice.
4. Bring a jacket ___ it gets cold.
5. Let’s call ahead ___ they’re closed.
6. The ring was ___ in a glass box.
7. Write it down ___ you forget.
8. I bought snacks ___ we get hungry.
9. They built a wall ___ of flooding.
10. Your passport was safely ___ in your bag.

Answers

1. in case
2. in case
3. encased (not incased)
4. in case
5. in case
6. encased
7. in case
8. in case
9. in case
10. encased