Are these sentences natural? October 8

Question

Hi,Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?1. In case we didn’t get any replies, then that would mean the market is/was shallow, and we would have to adjust our expectations down. (I was talking about a future possibility) 2. You can rank the 15 teams as per who  you think are better than others. 3. If you are done passing time, can we get back to work now. ( I said this sarcastically)Thanks,MG.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

MusicgoldAre the following sentences natural to a native ear?

Somewhat natural, but not quite.

1. In case we didn’t get any replies, then that would mean the market is/was shallow, and we would have to adjust our expectations down. (I was talking about a future possibility)

If we don't get any replies, it means the market is shallow, and we'll have to adjust our expectations down(ward).

More hypothetically:

If we didn't get any replies, it would mean the market was shallow, and we'd have to adjust our expectations down(ward).

In case we didn't just doesn't sound right to me. It's not exactly wrong, but it doesn't sound natural to my ear.

2. You can rank the 15 teams as per who you think are better than others.

You can rank the 15 teams (in order) from best to worst (based on your own opinion).

3. If you are done passing time, can we get back to work now. ( I said this sarcastically)

If you are done wasting time, can we get back to work now?

(You're right that it is sarcastic.)

CJ

Musicgold · Answer

Thanks CJ.

In case we didn't just doesn't sound right to me. It's not exactly wrong, but it doesn't sound natural to my ear.

How would you use 'in case' if you wanted to talk hypothetically?

CalifJim · Answer

MusicgoldHow would you use 'in case' if you wanted to talk hypothetically?

I don't think it's used in truly hypothetical situations. The situation in the in case clause is usually pretty realistic rather than hypothetical. But it's hypothetical in the sense that we are not absolutely certain it will happen.

The typical use that comes to mind is the sign you see on certain fire alarms:

Break glass in case of fire.

(I don't know if you're familiar with those devices with a little hammer beside them for breaking the glass.)

______________

I think most uses are in the present tense, and the "in case" clause always seems to come at the end.

Take an umbrella in case it rains.

One typical formula is [ protective action ] IN CASE [ potentially unpleasant or dangerous situation ].

I'm going to take extra money to pay for dinner in case someone else forgets to bring their wallet.

Other scenarios are possible, however:

Jack, a single man, is going to dress up in his best clothes in case he meets the woman of his dreams at his favorite nightclub tonight.

Replace in case with if in the sentences above to understand better that in case is not at all the same as if.

CJ

Are these sentences natural? October 8

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