Incidentals and In Case of – Understanding the Difference
What are Incidentals?
Incidentals refer to minor expenses or small items that may be included in a larger overall cost. In business, it may also refer to miscellaneous or unforeseen expenses that may arise during a project or activity. For example, a hotel may add incidentals to a guest’s bill for services like room service or phone use. The cost of incidentals is usually minimal and may be waived in specific circumstances.
What is In Case of?
In Case Of is used to indicate a contingency plan or emergency procedure that should be followed when a certain situation occurs. For example, fire safety policies may use the phrase ‘in case of fire’ to establish emergency evacuation protocols. In other contexts, In Case of may also be used with the purpose of preparing people for a possible event, such as a medical emergency or a natural disaster.
Where is the distinction between these two phrases important?
While Incidentals and In Case of differ in meaning and usage, they may present confusion. The importance of understanding their difference lies in the fact that Incidentals are a relatively simple concept that can be easily overlooked, while In Case of refers to potentially life-saving procedures that should be followed under certain circumstances. In business, for instance, a lack of clarity on incidentals may lead to unanticipated costs that impact budgets and client satisfaction. Meanwhile, misunderstanding In Case of instructions in critical situations may have serious consequences.
