in the event

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseBritish

   As things actually turned out, often differently from what was feared or expected.

   Grammar: Usually begins a sentence or clause and is followed by a comma: In the event, nobody came.

   Patterns

   • in the event, something happened

   We booked a large room, but in the event only four people came.

   In the event, the storm missed our town completely.

   He expected a fight; in the event, they shook hands.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseformal

   If a particular thing happens, used mostly in the longer form in the event of something or in the event that something happens.

   Grammar: Needs of before a noun or that before a clause: in the event of rain, in the event that it rains.

   Patterns

   • in the event of something
   • in the event that something happens

   In the event of fire, use the stairs.

   In the event that you lose your card, call the bank.

   Bring a coat in the event it gets cold.

Common combinations

in the event of fire

In the event of fire, leave the building quickly.

in the event of rain

The concert moves indoors in the event of rain.

in the event that

In the event that you are late, we will start without you.

in the event of an emergency

Keep this number handy in the event of an emergency.

but in the event

I feared a long delay, but in the event we left on time.

Synonyms and how they differ

as it turned out

As it turned out is more relaxed and conversational, while in the event sounds a little more written and formal.

in the end

In the end stresses the final outcome after a long process, rather than contrasting reality with an expectation.

if

If is the plain everyday choice, while in the event that adds a formal, rule-like tone suited to notices and contracts.

should

Should, placed first in a clause as in should you need help, is similarly formal but shorter.

Word family

event noun

something that happens, especially something important

eventual adjective

happening at last, after a delay or process

eventually adverb

after a long time or a series of events

eventuality noun

a possible future happening

Commonly confused: in the event or eventually? in the event or in the event of?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “in the event”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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