A possible event can motivate a precaution.

The idea

Follow en caso de que with the subjunctive; the main clause states the response. Past contexts can use the imperfect subjunctive.

Examples

  • Lleva un paraguas en caso de que llueva.Take an umbrella in case it rains.
  • Guardamos una copia en caso de que falle el sistema.We save a copy in case the system fails.
  • En caso de que llegues tarde, avisa a Marta.If you happen to arrive late, let Marta know.
  • El médico dejó un número en caso de que aparecieran síntomas.The doctor left a number in case symptoms appeared.
  • Prepararemos otra sala en caso de que vengan más personas.We will prepare another room in case more people come.
  • Ana lleva comida en caso de que el viaje se alargue.Ana brings food in case the journey takes longer.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not use the indicative after en caso de que: llueve is wrong here; choose llueva.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct form. Cierra la ventana en caso de que ___ viento. (haga / hace)

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    haga

    Haga fits the possible wind for which the window is closed.

  2. Choose the correct form. Dejaron una linterna en caso de que se ___ la luz. (fuera / fue)

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    fuera

    Fuera places the possible power cut in the past context.

  3. Choose the correct form. Ten agua a mano en caso de que ___ sed. (tengas / tienes)

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    tengas

    Tengas refers to the possibility that the listener becomes thirsty.

Use it today

Describe a precaution for an unexpected change of plans.