As circumstances allow

USAGE SUMMARY

"As circumstances allow" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that actions or decisions will be made based on the current situation or conditions. Example: "We will proceed with the project as circumstances allow." Alternative expressions include "As conditions permit" and "As the situation permits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Both would pull American forces out of Iraq as soon as circumstances allow.

The Economist

The letters argued that the laws in these states do not bar such voters from voting in their former jurisdictions if their intent is to move back as soon as circumstances allow.

The New York Times

Sure enough this Winnie — who speaks in a largely uninterrupted, largely upbeat monologue about her plight, her daily ritual, her history and her relationship with the occasionally seen husband, Willie Tim Potterr, perfect), who inhabits a hole somewhere below her — manages to be as aerobic as circumstances allow, flexing and stretching and swiveling her upper torso.

The New York Times

It read: "The Central Bank of Cyprus and the government of Cyprus will review them each day, with a view to progressive lifting of the measures as soon as circumstances allow.

BBC

Against the odds, we seek to retain staff as circumstances allow and have reassigned personnel to new branches as opportunities have been found.

Huffington Post

Successful campaigns spend as much time planning their activities and developing procedures as circumstances allow -- they know that while anyone can send a mass email, getting the most out of an email list takes an actual strategy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In the end, Lincoln fulfilled most of the abolitionists' hopes — as circumstances allowed.

The New York Times

Imagine the ethical gymnastics as the reporter sought a trustworthy angle of vision, a perch where you could see as much of the action as circumstances allowed, trying always to keep the whole in mind so that you didn't exaggerate the parts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Families at Tyuonyi farmed as much as circumstance allowed, and also hunted game and collected edible plants.

The New York Times - Travel

"In my opinion, they have tried to address the problem as best as the circumstances allow.

The New York Times

We are looking forward to playing a competitive match in Cape Town as soon as local circumstances allow".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as circumstances allow" to provide flexibility in plans or instructions, indicating that adjustments can be made based on the current situation. This avoids rigid expectations and allows for adaptation.

Common error

Avoid using "as circumstances allow" repeatedly within a single document or conversation. Overuse can make your writing sound vague or noncommittal. Vary your language with alternative phrases like "depending on the situation" or "if the situation permits."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as circumstances allow" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition or limitation. As shown by Ludwig AI, it specifies that an action will occur or a decision will be made contingent upon the prevailing conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as circumstances allow" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that plans or actions are subject to change based on the current situation. Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical correctness and its common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and business. To maintain effective communication, it's best to use the phrase sparingly and consider alternative expressions like "depending on the situation" for greater clarity. While the phrase is generally appropriate, be mindful to avoid overuse to keep your writing concise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depending on the situation

This alternative emphasizes the dependency of an action on the prevailing conditions.

if the situation permits

This alternative puts a direct condition on the possibility of the action.

subject to conditions

This option highlights the conditional nature of the action, making it reliant on specific criteria.

contingent upon the situation

This alternative stresses that the action's occurrence is not definite but depends on external factors.

as the situation warrants

This phrase suggests that the action will be taken only if the situation justifies it.

based on the current context

This option emphasizes the influence of the surrounding factors on decision-making.

when the opportunity arises

This alternative implies a focus on favorable moments for taking action.

as and when appropriate

This option emphasizes that actions will be taken only when the time and circumstances are suitable.

depending on how things go

This phrase introduces a more informal and fluid sense of contingency.

subject to change

This alternative indicates that actions might need adjustment or modification according to the evolving situation.

FAQs

How can I use "As circumstances allow" in a sentence?

Use "as circumstances allow" to indicate that an action or decision will be made based on the current conditions. For example, "We will proceed with the project "as circumstances allow"."

What's a more formal alternative to "As circumstances allow"?

A more formal alternative is "subject to conditions" or "contingent upon the situation", which emphasize the dependency of an action on specific criteria.

When is it appropriate to use "As circumstances allow"?

It's appropriate to use "as circumstances allow" when you want to convey that plans or actions are flexible and adaptable to the prevailing conditions. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of overuse.

Is "As circumstances allow" interchangeable with "as conditions allow"?

Yes, "as circumstances allow" and "as conditions allow" are largely interchangeable. Both phrases indicate that actions or decisions are dependent on the current situation. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.