In situations when

USAGE SUMMARY

"in situations when" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a set of circumstances in which something happens or is the case. For example, "In situations when a parent is unable to provide for their child, it is important that other members of the family step in to offer support."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In situations when I was being bathed," she says, "I pictured myself being at a spa.

The Guardian

In situations when the integrand has stationary points, MM fails to deliver.

Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements

In situations when the data transfer is not prescribed by the law, it is necessary to rely on different provisions.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

In situations when you know one person is likely to dominate a group, create an opportunity for everyone to speak.

Huffington Post

In situations when the disease cannot be cured, palliative operations can cause complications, prolonged suffering and an earlier death.

BMC Medical Ethics

In situations when parents were unable to figure out or understand their child, parents felt stressed and uncertain about their abilities to parent.

BMC Pediatrics

In situations when the number of cases where a task was undertaken equalled less than 5, the Fisher exact test was used.

BioMed Research International

In situations when muscular paralysis is necessary, BIS could make a valuable contribution because established clinical tools fail to measure the level of sedation in this setting.

Critical Care

"He's not overwhelmed in situations when the game is on the line.

The New York Times - Sports

Again, that's a real plus in situations when completing a bid on a complex construction project can cost millions.

The Guardian

People routinely perpetrate wrongs out of obedience to their conscience, even in situations when the law mandates better behavior.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in situations when", ensure the sentence clearly outlines the condition and the corresponding outcome. Avoid vague references to situations without specifying what happens under those circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using redundant phrasing such as "in situations when...that..." because it adds unnecessary words. Simply state the condition directly after "when" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in situations when" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically introducing a conditional clause. It sets the context or circumstances under which the main action or statement in the sentence applies. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to specify conditions or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in situations when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce conditional clauses. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It is particularly common in scientific and news-related contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the conditions and outcomes clearly. Common errors include redundancy in phrasing, which should be avoided. Alternatives like "under circumstances where" or "in instances where" can offer a more formal tone. This phrase's versatility makes it a valuable tool in expressing conditionality across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Under circumstances where

This alternative employs a more formal tone by using "circumstances" instead of "situations."

In instances where

Substituting "instances" for "situations" provides a slightly more specific and formal feel.

When faced with

This option is more concise and direct, focusing on the action of confronting a situation.

Given the case that

This phrase offers a more emphatic and explicit acknowledgement of a condition.

In the event that

This alternative emphasizes a potential or hypothetical scenario.

On occasions when

Replacing "situations" with "occasions" highlights the intermittent nature of the circumstances.

Should the need arise

This option is a more formal and conditional way of expressing the original phrase.

If it happens that

This alternative is more conversational, explicitly stating the possibility of something occurring.

Considering that

This phrase introduces a situation as a factor to be taken into account.

Depending on whether

This emphasizes the conditional nature of the situation, focusing on the dependence on certain factors.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "In situations when" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "under circumstances where" or "in instances where". These alternatives provide a more sophisticated feel while maintaining the same meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "In situations when"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Starting a sentence with "In situations when" introduces a conditional clause, setting the stage for the main action or consequence that follows. Just ensure the clause is complete and connects logically to the rest of the sentence.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "In situations when"?

One common mistake is using overly complex sentence structures that obscure the intended meaning. Keep your sentences clear and concise. Also, avoid redundant phrasing that adds unnecessary words.

What's the difference between "In situations when" and "in situations where"?

The phrases "in situations when" and "in situations where" are often used interchangeably, and the difference is subtle. "When" implies a more temporal connection, while "where" suggests a locational or circumstantial context. In most cases, either can be used without significantly altering the meaning.