en caso de que
conjunctionCEFR B1
What does “en caso de que” mean in English?
in case that, in the event that
in case that, in the event that (en caso de que + subjunctive — contingency planning)
Example sentences
En caso de que haya alguna emergencia durante el viaje, aquí tienes el número de contacto del consulado.
In the event of any emergency during the trip, here is the contact number for the consulate.
El coordinador dijo que en caso de que surgiera algún problema, debíamos llamarle directamente a él.
The coordinator said that in the event any problem arose, we should call him directly.
Guarda siempre una copia del pasaporte en caso de perderlo durante el viaje al extranjero.
Always keep a copy of your passport in case you lose it while travelling abroad.
How to use it
En caso de que means 'in case that' or 'in the event that' and always triggers subjunctive. It is used to plan for a contingency: 'En caso de que haya un problema, llama al servicio de asistencia'. Like con tal de que, the same-subject variant drops the que: en caso de + infinitive — 'Toma una chaqueta en caso de hacer frío' (though this is less common; en caso de que is preferred even with same subject in most registers). En caso de que is widely used in formal instructions, travel advice, and emergency information.
Common mistake
En caso de que always takes subjunctive. Do not confuse it with si (if) in conditional sentences: 'Si hay un problema' (if there is a problem — straightforward condition, takes indicative in present tense) vs 'en caso de que haya un problema' (in case there is a problem — contingency with subjunctive). En caso de que has a slightly more precautionary or preparatory tone than si.