Cool MateIn that case vs Otherwise we'll miss the fireworks
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
In that case
Top 2,000 (common)
Otherwise we'll miss the fireworks
Top 2,000 (common)
| In that case | Otherwise we'll miss the fireworks | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪn ðæt keɪs//🇺🇸 //ɪn ðæt keɪs// | 🇬🇧 //ˈʌðəwaɪz//🇺🇸 //ˈʌðərwaɪz// |
| Meaning | If that's true or if that happens | If not, we won't see the fireworks. |
| Example | If you're busy today, in that case, we can meet tomorrow. | We should leave now, otherwise we'll miss the fireworks. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | in that case, in that case, we should, if that happens, in that case | miss the opportunity, miss the deadline, miss the train |
| Common mistakes | Using it too formally, such as in academic writing., Not using a comma before 'in that case' when necessary., Confusing it with 'in this case' which has a different meaning. | 'Otherwise' is often confused with 'or else'., Learners sometimes omit 'we'll' before 'miss'., 'Otherwise' should not be used at the beginning of a sentence. |
| Usage notes | Used to refer back to a previous statement or situation. Common in both spoken and written English. | Use 'otherwise' to indicate a consequence if something doesn’t happen. It's generally neutral and works well in both formal and informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: In that case vs Otherwise we'll miss the fireworks
What's the difference between In that case and Otherwise we'll miss the fireworks?
In that case: If that's true or if that happens Otherwise we'll miss the fireworks: If not, we won't see the fireworks.
Can you show an example of each?
In that case: If you're busy today, in that case, we can meet tomorrow. Otherwise we'll miss the fireworks: We should leave now, otherwise we'll miss the fireworks.
Can I use In that case and Otherwise we'll miss the fireworks interchangeably?
Not always. In that case and Otherwise we'll miss the fireworks are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.