in case用作副词时,其意为“以防万一”。如:
Better take an umbrella in case. 最好带把伞,以防下雨。
The dog was chained, but I carried a stick in case. 狗是用链条锁住的,但我带着一根棍子以防万一。
注:in case的副词性用法,可视为其后省略了一个目的状语从句,其意为表示“以防有什么情况”。如:
The sun is shining, but I’ll take an umbrella just in case (it should rain). 现在是晴天,但我还是带上雨伞以防万一。
The bus is usually on time, but start early, just in case (you are late). 公共汽车一般是准时的,但还是早一点走好,以防有什么情况。