Clauses of precaution (în caz că)

Clauses of Precaution with "În caz că"

When preparing for unexpected situations, making backup plans, or discussing safety measures, you will frequently use the conjunction în caz că (in case).

Grammatically, în caz că introduces a conditional clause of precaution. Unlike some other Romanian conjunctions that require the subjunctive mood, în caz că is followed by the indicative mood—the standard factual tenses you already know, such as the present, past, or future.

Very often, you will use the present tense after în caz că to talk about a potential future event.

Using Past Tenses for Precaution

While precautions are usually aimed at the future, you can also use past tenses (like the compound past or the pluperfect) after în caz că. This happens when you are taking a precaution because something might have already occurred, or when narrating a past backup plan.

Combining Precautions with Purpose

Clauses of precaution are naturally paired with actions of preparation. You will often see them alongside reflexive verbs like a se asigura (to make sure) or a se desfășura (to take place / to unfold).

Notice how these sentences can combine multiple clauses—such as a main action, a purpose clause (e.g., using astfel încât), and a precaution—all in one fluid statement.