Difficult circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Difficult circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe challenging or adverse situations that someone may be facing. Example: "Despite the difficult circumstances, she managed to complete her project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— under difficult circumstances.

The Washington Post

Did good in v difficult circumstances.

The Guardian

"We come in difficult circumstances".

The Guardian

It is working under incredibly difficult circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He came in under very difficult circumstances.

The New York Times - Sports

I faced very difficult circumstances as chancellor.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wrote it under difficult circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even under the most difficult circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

The West Bank economy has grown in difficult circumstances.

The New York Times

They set up communities in the midst of difficult circumstances".

The New York Times

"We are siding with Ireland in the difficult circumstances".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary. While "difficult circumstances" is a useful phrase, consider alternatives like "challenging situations" or "adverse conditions" to enhance readability and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult circumstances" without providing specific details. Simply stating that someone is in "difficult circumstances" lacks impact. Elaborate on the nature of the difficulty to create a more compelling and informative narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult circumstances" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a preposition (e.g., "in difficult circumstances", "under difficult circumstances"). Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult circumstances" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe situations involving hardship or adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. While versatile, it's important to provide specific details to avoid vagueness and enhance the impact of your writing. Consider using alternatives like "challenging situations" or "adverse conditions" for variety. Predominantly found in news and business contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral to professional register. When using "difficult circumstances", remember to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging situations

Focuses on the element of challenge, implying a need for effort and skill to overcome.

tough conditions

Emphasizes the harshness or severity of the surrounding environment or situation.

adverse conditions

Highlights the negative or unfavorable nature of the circumstances.

trying circumstances

Implies a test of one's patience, resilience, or abilities.

dire straits

Suggests a situation of extreme hardship or danger.

precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential for negative outcomes.

problematic situation

Emphasizes the presence of issues or obstacles that need to be addressed.

unfavorable circumstances

Stresses the lack of support or advantages in the situation.

hard times

A more general term for a period of difficulty or hardship.

crisis situation

Indicates a critical or urgent situation requiring immediate attention.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult circumstances" to describe challenging or adverse situations. For instance, "Despite the difficult circumstances, she managed to complete her project on time." or "The company faced difficult circumstances due to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "difficult circumstances"?

Alternatives to "difficult circumstances" include "challenging situations", "tough conditions", or "adverse conditions", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "difficult circumstances"?

The phrase "difficult circumstances" is suitable when referring to situations that involve hardship, adversity, or significant challenges. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and audience.

What's the difference between "difficult circumstances" and "challenging situations"?

While both phrases refer to problematic situations, "difficult circumstances" emphasizes the hardship and adversity involved, whereas ""challenging situations"" focuses more on the need for effort and skill to overcome the obstacles.