Prípadne

Prípadne is a Slovak adverb used to express a possible alternative, a conditional option, or a soft qualification of what is being stated. It can convey meanings such as perhaps, maybe, or or alternatively, and it can also introduce a conditional sense meaning “in case something happens or is needed.” The choice of sense depends on context and sentence structure.

Etymology and usage context: the word comes from the noun prípad, meaning “case” or “instance,” with the adverbial suffix -ne. It is cognate with the Czech případně. It is widely used in both formal and informal Slovak to add an option without making a firm commitment.

Typical usage: prípadne is commonly used to introduce one or more alternative options in a sentence, often separated by a comma. Examples include: Môžete prísť v piatok, prípadne v sobotu. Prípadne by sme mohli počkať na ďalšie informácie. It can also signal a conditional or secondary consideration: Ak sa nedá stihnúť, prípadne to spravíme neskôr. In some contexts, the phrase v prípade (potreby) is preferred for a more formal or explicit “in case of” meaning.

Grammatical notes: prípadne functions as an adverb and does not inflect. It is typically placed between the main clause and a representing alternative, with a comma used to separate the options when it introduces a new segment of the sentence. In formal writing, it helps to delineate alternatives without asserting them as mandatory.

See also: prípadný (adjective meaning possible or potential), v prípade (in the case of), možno (perhaps).