in case it rains/rained

[ademoglu]

Hi,

Say that the weatherman said that it will rain after 6 pm today. My friend and I left home at 3 pm and she asked, 'Why did you take that umbrella?' and I said,

1- I took it in case it rains (after 6).
2- I took it in case it rained (after 6).

Since it is a future possibility, should I use the simple present or just the past tense? I really have been feeling confused.

Thanks.

 

[GoesStation]

Use the simple present.

 

[ademoglu]

Thanks for the answer. Is the past simple totally wrong in that situation?

 

[Rover_KE]

Yes.

If you are still outside with your friend, she should have asked 'Why did you bring that umbrella?' You reply 'I brought it in case it rains'.

If you are back home and she asks 'Why did you take that umbrella?' then you can say 'I took it in case it rained'.