It is well said that a little change makes the difference. In case of and In the case of can be defined as the phrases in the English language. Both phrases seem to have a similar structure and appearance but they differ semantically from each other. People frequently commit mistakes in using these phrases in a sentence and take both of them as the same phrases. Look at these phrases and notice the difference:
- In case of
- In the case of
In the above phrases, only the definite article “The” makes the difference and changes the meaning and the context of the phrase entirely. For example:
- Report your boss immediately in case of fire.
- Report your boss immediately in the case of loan defaulters.
Notice the differences in the above sentences. Both phrases convey different meanings and are used in different contexts. Now let’s find out how they semantically differ from each other.
In case of vs In the case of – Difference
The phrase “In case of” expresses – “In the event of a particular situation what we should do if something happens”. The advice or the solution to the unexpected event/situation is already there in the sentence. The phrase “In case of” involves the probability of something with its immediate solution or redressal whereas the phrase “In the case of” is used in the sense of – “in the matter of someone” or “Regarding someone”. Now look at the following sentences and identify the differences.
In case of in a sentence
- Please call an ambulance in case of an emergency.
- In case of earthquake, use the stairs.
- You should contact Ms. spencer in case of any altercation.
- In case of rain, you should use an umbrella.
- Hide under a table in case of an earthquake.
In the case of in a sentence
- In the case of George, we should be strict.
- In the case of this man, we will not grant permission.
- In the case of that girl nobody stood by her.
- In privately owned companies all the employees are supposed to come on time but in the case of government owned companies some employees come late.
- You should be lenient in the case of the security guard.
