Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
'In the event that' is a formal substitute for 'if', used primarily in legal, professional, or emergency contexts.
- Use it for unlikely but possible future scenarios: 'In the event that it rains, the gala moves indoors.'
- Follow 'that' with a full clause (subject + verb): 'In the event that the alarm sounds...'
- Do not confuse with 'in the event of', which requires a noun: 'In the event of rain...'
Overview
in the event that은 바로 그러한 '격식 있는 영어'의 정점에 있는 표현 중 하나입니다.if가 단순히 어떤 상황을 가정하는 '만약 ~라면'의 의미라면, in the event that은 '만약 ~하는 사태가 발생할 경우에는'이라는 뉘앙스를 가집니다. 즉, 단순한 가정을 넘어 특정한 비상 상황이나 계획된 시나리오가 실제로 일어났을 때를 대비한 공식적인 대응책을 언급할 때 주로 사용됩니다. 한국어로 치면 일상적인 «만약 ~하면»보다는 공고문이나 계약서에서 볼 수 있는 «~할 시에는», «~하는 경우에 한하여»와 같은 엄격하고 정중한 표현에 가깝습니다.if를 쓰면 충분하지만, 대규모 야외 행사의 안전 매뉴얼에서 «우천 시에는 행사가 취소됩니다»라고 명시할 때는 in the event that이 훨씬 적절합니다. 이 표현을 정확하게 구사한다는 것은 여러분이 단순히 영어를 말하는 것을 넘어, 영어권의 전문적인 문화를 이해하고 그에 걸맞은 품격을 갖추었음을 보여주는 지표가 됩니다.in the event that은 문법적으로 종속 접속사(Subordinating Conjunction) 역할을 합니다. 즉, 이 구문이 이끄는 절은 혼자 쓰일 수 없고, 반드시 주절(Main Clause)에 붙어 그 조건에 따른 결과를 설명해야 합니다. 이 구조의 핵심 원리는 '사건(Event)'과 '대응(Response)'의 논리적 연결입니다.in the event that 역시 event라는 명사를 활용해 상황을 하나의 독립된 '사건'으로 규정함으로써 객관성과 공식성을 확보합니다.in the event that이 이끄는 조건절 안에서는 단순 현재 시제(Simple Present)를 사용합니다. 이는 우리가 흔히 배우는 '시간과 조건의 부사절에서는 현재 시제가 미래 시제를 대신한다'는 원칙이 그대로 적용되는 사례입니다. 반면, 그 결과로 일어날 일을 나타내는 주절에서는 will, must, should, may와 같은 조동사를 사용하여 대응의 강도나 확실성을 조절합니다.will / shall | 확정된 결과나 약속을 나타냄 | In the event that the flight is cancelled, the airline will provide a full refund. |must / should | 의무나 강력한 권고를 나타냄 | In the event that an alarm sounds, all employees must leave the building. |may / might | 가능성이나 허가를 나타냄 | Additional charges may apply in the event that the rental period is exceeded. |In the event that you find a suspicious package, contact security immediately. |in the event that은 단순한 가정을 넘어, 발생 가능한 특정 상황을 하나의 '항목'으로 정의하고 그에 따른 매뉴얼을 제시하는 구조를 가집니다.in the event that을 사용하여 문장을 구성할 때는 정해진 공식이 있습니다. 이 공식을 지키지 않으면 문법적으로 틀릴 뿐만 아니라, 전달하고자 하는 격식도 깨지게 됩니다.In the event that+ [주어] + [단순 현재 동사], [주어] + [조동사] + [동사 원형]
will을 넣는 것인데, 이는 문법적으로 어색합니다.- 옳은 예:
In the event that it rains, the ceremony will be held indoors. - 틀린 예:
*In the event that it will rain, the ceremony will be held indoors.
- 조건절이 앞에 올 때 (콤마 필요):
In the event that the internet connection fails, please use the offline mode.- 주절이 앞에 올 때 (콤마 불필요):
Please use the offline mode in the event that the internet connection fails.In the event that | In the event that... |...the CEO resigns... |...resigns, |...the board will appoint a successor. |If we are late...라고 하기보다 In the event that the project completion is delayed...라고 표현하면 훨씬 더 전문적인 인상을 줍니다.in the event that은 가장 빈번하게 등장하는 표현입니다.In the event that the tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord may terminate the lease.
In the event that a student is absent for more than three days, a medical certificate must be submitted.
In the event that cabin pressure changes, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling.
The system will automatically shut down in the event that the core temperature exceeds 100 degrees.
In the event that we encounter unforeseen delays, we will notify the client immediately.
- 어색한 표현:
In the event that you are hungry, let's eat chicken.(너무 거창합니다.) - 자연스러운 표현:
If you're hungry, let's get some chicken.
in the event that을 사용할 때 범하기 쉬운 실수들은 대개 한국어와 영어의 구조적 차이, 혹은 비슷한 다른 표현과의 혼동에서 비롯됩니다.will을 사용하는 실수 (The Future Tense Error)will을 넣고 싶은 유혹이 강합니다. 하지만 영어의 조건절 규칙에 따라 현재 시제를 써야 합니다.- 잘못된 예:
In the event that it will snow, the game will be postponed. - 올바른 예:
In the event that it snows, the game will be postponed.
in case와 혼동하는 실수 (Confusion with 'In Case')in case(예방): 어떤 일이 일어날지도 모르니까 미리 무언가를 하는 것입니다. (Action *before* the event)in the event that(대응): 어떤 일이 일어났을 때만 그 결과로 무언가를 하는 것입니다. (Action *after* the event starts)
that을 생략하거나 of와 혼동하는 실수in the event that은 뒤에 [주어+동사]의 절이 와야 합니다. 만약 명사만 쓰고 싶다면 in the event of를 써야 합니다.- 잘못된 예:
*In the event that a fire, use the stairs. - 올바른 예 (명사구):
In the event of a fire, use the stairs. - 올바른 예 (절):
In the event that a fire breaks out, use the stairs.
if | 중립/캐주얼 | 가장 일반적인 가정. 모든 상황에 무난함. | If you need help, ask me. |in the event that | 매우 높음 | 공식 문서, 계약서, 비상 매뉴얼. '사건' 중심. | In the event that you need assistance, contact the help desk. |in case | 중간 | 예방적 조치. (~할지도 모르니 미리 ~하다) | Take a coat in case it gets cold. |should (도치) | 매우 높음 | In the event that만큼 격식 있음. 문어체에서 선호. | Should you have any questions, please contact us. |provided that | 높음 | '오직 ~라는 조건하에'. 강한 조건 강조. | You can go provided that you finish your work. |should를 활용한 도치 구문(Should you have any questions...)과 in the event that은 비즈니스 이메일에서 서로 대체하여 사용할 수 있는 훌륭한 파트너입니다. 하지만 in the event that이 조금 더 '특정한 사건이나 사고'에 초점이 맞춰져 있다는 차이가 있습니다.in the event that과 in the event of는 어떻게 다른가요?in the event that 뒤에는 [주어+동사]가 오고, in the event of 뒤에는 [명사/명사구]가 옵니다.- 예:
In the event of an emergency(명사) - 예:
In the event that an emergency occurs(절)
in the event of + 명사 구조를 더 선호합니다.don't보다는 fail to나 does not을 사용하여 정중함을 유지하는 경우가 많습니다.- 예:
In the event that the payment is not received by Friday...또는In the event that the client fails to make the payment...(후자가 더 격식 있게 느껴집니다.)
if 대신 항상 in the event that을 쓰면 영어를 잘해 보일까요?if를 활용한 가정법 과거완료(If it had happened...)를 쓰는 것이 일반적이며, in the event that은 그런 용도로는 잘 쓰이지 않습니다.Structure of 'In the event that'
| Conjunction | Subject | Verb (Present Simple) | Result Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
|
In the event that
|
the alarm
|
sounds
|
exit the building.
|
|
In the event that
|
it
|
rains
|
the game is cancelled.
|
|
In the event that
|
you
|
lose
|
your key, call me.
|
|
In the event that
|
he
|
does not pay
|
he must leave.
|
|
In the event that
|
the CEO
|
should resign
|
we will vote.
|
Meanings
A complex conjunction used to introduce a condition that might happen in the future, typically implying a prepared response or a formal consequence.
Legal/Contractual Contingency
Specifying what happens if a contract is breached or a specific legal condition is met.
“In the event that the tenant fails to pay rent, the lease shall be terminated.”
“In the event that the goods are damaged, the seller will provide a full refund.”
Emergency Procedures
Instructions for what to do during rare but serious incidents.
“In the event that the cabin pressure drops, oxygen masks will fall from the ceiling.”
“In the event that you hear a fire alarm, please exit the building via the stairs.”
Professional Planning
Discussing business 'Plan B' scenarios in meetings or emails.
“In the event that the shipment is delayed, we should notify the client by noon.”
“In the event that we exceed our budget, we will need to cut marketing costs.”
Reference Table
| 구조 | 의미 | 격식 | 예시 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
In the event that + S + V(현재형)
|
특정 상황이 발생할 경우
|
공식적
|
`In the event that` the system fails, restart it.
|
|
S + will/may/should + V + in the event that + S + V(현재형)
|
상황 발생 시 행동이 일어날 것임
|
공식적
|
You `will be refunded in the event that` your flight is cancelled.
|
|
If + S + V(현재형)
|
일반적인 조건
|
비공식적/중립적
|
`If` it rains, we'll stay inside.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
In the event that a fire breaks out, please exit via the nearest stairwell. (Safety instruction)
If there is a fire, please use the stairs to leave. (Safety instruction)
If it catches fire, get out fast! (Safety instruction)
If it's blazing, bail! (Safety instruction)
In The Event That: 핵심 개념
의미
- If (formal) 공식적 'If'
- Should it occur 비상 계획
- When/if (serious) 중요한 조건
사용처
- Contracts 법률 문서
- Emergency plans 안전 수칙
- Formal instructions 공식 지시
구조
- In the event that + S + V(present) 절 구조
- Main clause (future) 결과절
대조
- `If` (casual) 일상적인 조건문
- `In case` (precaution) 비슷하지만 미묘하게 다름
In The Event That vs. If vs. In Case 비교
'In The Event That'를 사용해야 할까요?
맥락이 공식적인가요 (예: 정책, 계약, 공식 서신)?
특정 조건이 발생하면 정의된 행동이 필요한 상황을 명시하고 있나요?
'In The Event That'가 빛을 발하는 곳
법률 및 공식
- • 계약서
- • 회사 정책
- • 이용 약관
비상 계획
- • 대피 절차
- • 재난 프로토콜
- • 비상 계획
비즈니스 및 행정
- • 공식 이메일
- • 프로젝트 헌장
- • 서비스 계약
기술 매뉴얼
- • 문제 해결 가이드
- • 시스템 안전 장치 노트
- • 사용자 매뉴얼
수준별 예문
In the event that you are late, call me.
If you are late, call me.
In the event that it is cold, wear a coat.
If it is cold, wear a coat.
In the event that you need help, ask a teacher.
If you need help, ask a teacher.
In the event that the bus is full, wait for the next one.
If the bus is full, wait.
In the event that the hotel is full, we will find another room.
If the hotel is full, we'll find another.
In the event that you do not have a ticket, you cannot enter.
If you don't have a ticket, you can't enter.
In the event that the rain stops, we can play tennis.
If the rain stops, we can play.
In the event that the computer breaks, call the office.
If the computer breaks, call the office.
In the event that the meeting is cancelled, I will send an email.
If the meeting is cancelled, I'll email.
In the event that you lose your passport, contact the embassy.
If you lose your passport, call the embassy.
In the event that the product is faulty, you can return it.
If the product is broken, you can return it.
In the event that no one answers, please leave a message.
If no one answers, leave a message.
In the event that the candidate fails to appear, the interview will be rescheduled.
If the candidate doesn't show up, we'll reschedule.
In the event that the software requires an update, the system will notify you.
If the software needs an update, you'll be notified.
In the event that the company goes bankrupt, the assets will be sold.
If the company fails, assets are sold.
In the event that the alarm is triggered, security will arrive in five minutes.
If the alarm goes off, security comes.
In the event that the primary server should fail, the secondary server takes over.
If the main server fails, the backup starts.
In the event that the terms are not met, the contract is null and void.
If terms aren't met, the contract is dead.
In the event that the witness refuses to testify, the prosecution may struggle.
If the witness won't talk, the case is hard.
In the event that the currency fluctuates wildly, we will hedge our investments.
If the money changes value, we'll protect ourselves.
In the event that the geopolitical climate deteriorates, we must reassess our supply chain.
If politics get worse, we change our supply.
In the event that the findings are deemed inconclusive, further funding will be withheld.
If results are unclear, no more money.
In the event that the monarch is unable to perform their duties, a regent is appointed.
If the King/Queen can't work, a regent takes over.
In the event that the merger should be blocked by regulators, the stock price will plummet.
If the merger is stopped, stocks will fall.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners use 'that' with nouns or 'of' with clauses.
Both are formal, but inversion is even more formal and omits 'if' or 'in the event that'.
'In case' is used for precautions (doing something *before*), whereas 'in the event that' is for reactions (doing something *after*).
자주 하는 실수
In the event that rain, stay inside.
In the event that it rains, stay inside.
In the event of it rains...
In the event that it rains...
In the event that you will be late...
In the event that you are late...
In the event that you hungry...
In the event that you are hungry...
In the event that the bus don't come...
In the event that the bus doesn't come...
In the event that fire...
In the event of fire...
In the event that you are needing help...
In the event that you need help...
In the event that the meeting would be cancelled...
In the event that the meeting is cancelled...
In the event that you forgot your password...
In the event that you forget your password...
In the event that it may rain...
In the event that it rains...
In the event that the company should to fail...
In the event that the company should fail...
문장 패턴
In the event that ___, please ___.
What should I do in the event that ___?
In the event that the ___ should ___, we will ___.
The contract states that in the event that ___, the ___ is ___.
Real World Usage
In the event that the cabin loses pressure, masks will drop.
In the event that the buyer defaults, the deposit is forfeited.
In the event that I am out of the office, please contact Sarah.
In the event that you hear the alarm, do not use the elevator.
In the event that you violate these terms, your account may be banned.
In the event that the train is delayed, we apologize for the inconvenience.
‘대비’하는 마음으로 생각하기
in the event that는 미리 «대비하는 마음»과 연결해서 생각하면 좋아요. 어떤 일이 생길 경우를 대비해 미리 계획을 세우는 느낌이죠. In the event that the system fails, we have a backup plan.
조건절에 'Will' 사용하지 않기
in the event that 뒤에 오는 절에는 'will'을 절대 쓰지 않아요. 항상 현재형 동사를 사용해야 해요. In the event that you need assistance, please contact us.(O)
In the event that you will need assistance, please contact us.(X)
단순한 멋이 아닌 '명확성'을 위해 사용하기
In the event that the payment is not received, the service will be suspended.
맥락이 중요해요
in the event that를 정확하게 사용하면, 세심하고 공식적인 의사소통 능력을 보여줄 수 있어요. 잘못 사용하면 어색하거나 너무 딱딱하게 들릴 수 있으니 주의하세요. In the event that the project timeline shifts, all stakeholders will be informed.
쉼표(Comma) 위치 확인하기
in the event that 절이 문장 맨 앞에 오면, 항상 쉼표(,)를 찍어주세요. In the event that we face delays, we will notify you.하지만 문장 중간에 오면 쉼표가 필요 없어요.
We will notify you in the event that we face delays.
Smart Tips
Swap 'if' for 'in the event that' to sound more professional and prepared.
Change 'of' to 'that' to make the grammar correct.
Add the word 'should' after the subject.
Use 'In the event of' for short signs and 'In the event that' for detailed manuals.
발음
The 'that' reduction
In natural speech, 'that' is often reduced to a schwa sound /ðət/.
Stress pattern
The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'event'.
Rising-Falling
In the event that it rains (rising), we'll stay home (falling).
The condition has a rising pitch to show it's not finished, the result falls.
암기하기
기억법
Remember the 'T' in 'That' stands for 'Total sentence' (Subject + Verb).
시각적 연상
Imagine a thick, dusty legal book. On the first page, in big gold letters, it says 'IN THE EVENT THAT'. This helps you associate the phrase with formal, official rules.
Rhyme
In the event that things go wrong, the formal 'if' will make you strong.
Story
A lawyer is preparing for a storm. He doesn't say 'If it rains.' He says, 'In the event that precipitation occurs, we shall deploy the umbrellas.' He is ready for any contingency.
Word Web
챌린지
Write three emergency instructions for your office or home using 'In the event that'.
문화 노트
Very common in formal British public announcements (e.g., on the Tube or at train stations). It reflects a cultural preference for formal politeness in official settings.
Standard in 'Legalese'. Americans use this to make contracts sound ironclad and professional.
Used globally in English-speaking offices to sound objective and less personal than 'if'.
Derived from the Latin 'eventus' (occurrence/outcome). The phrase 'in the event' appeared in English in the 1600s.
대화 시작하기
In the event that you won the lottery tomorrow, what would be your first purchase?
In the event that your flight is delayed for 10 hours, how do you spend the time?
In the event that you were offered a job in a different country, would you take it?
What should a citizen do in the event that they witness a crime?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
In the event that the projector ___ down, we have a backup presentation ready.
in the event that와 함께 조건절의 동사는 미래의 가능성을 나타내더라도 항상 현재 시제를 사용합니다.Find and fix the mistake:
In the event that you will be late, please inform us by phone.
in the event that 뒤에 오는 올바른 형태는 현재 시제('are late')이며, 미래 시제('will be late')가 아니에요.Answer starts with: ["I...
in the event that를 사용합니다. 조건절은 현재 시제('sounds')를 취해요.Choose the correct sentence:
in the event that 뒤에 현재 시제('snows')를 요구합니다. 첫 번째 선택지는 'will snow'를 사용하여 틀렸고, 세 번째 선택지는 in the event that의 위치가 어색해요.Score: /4
연습 문제
8 exercisesIn the event ___ the power goes out, use the flashlight.
In the event ___ a fire, do not use the elevators.
Find and fix the mistake:
In the event that it will rain, the concert is cancelled.
If the shipment is delayed, we will call you.
'In the event that' is more formal than 'if'.
Manager: 'What is our plan ___ the client rejects the proposal?'
Select the correct option.
event / that / in / the / fails / system / the / restart / it
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe company policy states that `in the event that` an employee ___ company property, disciplinary action will be taken.
We will provide a full refund in the event of that you are not satisfied.
Translate into English: 'Si el servidor principal falla, se activará el sistema de respaldo.'
Which statement correctly uses the formal conditional?
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the conditional phrases with their appropriate outcomes:
`In the event that` the conference ___ rescheduled, all registered participants will be notified.
If you need anything, just call me, in the event that.
Translate into English: 'Si hubiera un problema con la entrega, por favor, avísenos de inmediato.'
Which sentence would be most suitable for a company policy?
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the beginning of the sentence with its logical ending:
Score: /12
자주 묻는 질문 (8)
Technically yes, but it would sound very strange and sarcastic. Stick to `if` for texting.
No. `In case` is for preparation (I'll take a coat in case it rains). `In the event that` is for a reaction (In the event that it rains, we will go inside).
Yes, if the 'in the event that' clause comes first, use a comma before the main clause. Example: `In the event that it rains, we will cancel.`
No, just like with `if`, you should use the present simple to talk about the future. Say `In the event that he arrives`, not `In the event that he will arrive`.
`In the event of` is shorter and used with nouns (In the event of fire). It's very common on signs where space is limited.
Yes, it is very common in American legal documents and formal business settings.
Adding `should` (In the event that it should rain) makes the event sound even less likely and more formal.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for academic writing when discussing hypothetical conditions or results.
Scaffolded Practice
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Mastery Progress
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In Other Languages
En caso de que
Spanish uses the subjunctive; English uses the present simple.
Au cas où
French uses the conditional mood; English uses present simple.
Im Falle, dass
Very similar in usage and register.
万が一 (Man'gaichi)
Japanese emphasizes the extreme unlikelihood more than the English phrase.
في حال (Fi hal)
Arabic can use it with both nouns and clauses more flexibly.
万一 (Wànyī)
Chinese 'Wànyī' is often used for bad things, while English can be neutral.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
관련 동영상
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