In specific situations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In specific situations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to particular circumstances or contexts where something applies or is relevant. Example: "In specific situations, it is important to consider the cultural background of the individuals involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In specific situations of interest the threshold values may exceed unity.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

In specific situations, other modes of transmission, such as airborne spread, may be possible (8 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

General tendencies may not be borne out in specific situations.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Favre had said he hoped to have an opportunity to work in specific situations, like the two-minute drill.

The New York Times

These little books provide lists of things you might see in specific situations (I-Spy vintage cars, I-Spy London).

The Guardian - Books

Umenyiora is a rarity in an age when defensive linemen are often used in specific situations.

The New York Times - Sports

Put differently, social behaviour conforms to norms, values, and rules that direct behaviour in specific situations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The data presented in Table 1 suggest that subjects intentionally ignore information regarding reputations in specific situations.

Nature

Last week, Trump made clear he would intervene in specific situations in which companies are considering moving work overseas.

The Washington Post

The stated function of the courts is the authoritative adjudication of controversies over the application of laws in specific situations.

Britannica

Judiciary, branch of government whose task is the authoritative adjudication of controversies over the application of laws in specific situations.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in specific situations", be sure to clearly define or imply what those specific situations are to avoid ambiguity. Add context to help the reader understand under which circumstances the phrase is valid.

Common error

Avoid using "in specific situations" as a placeholder for details you should be providing. Replace it with a concrete description of the circumstances, instead of relying on the reader to guess what you mean.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in specific situations" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb to specify the circumstances under which something occurs. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase introduces context that limits the scope of a statement, providing clarity about when it is applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in specific situations" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to qualify statements and actions, denoting that they are applicable only under particular circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly used across various registers, including scientific, journalistic, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to provide enough context to avoid ambiguity. While it is common, providing concrete details is often preferred for clarity. Consider alternatives such as "under certain circumstances" or "in particular cases" to add precision and richness to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under certain circumstances

Focuses on the conditions that need to be present.

in particular cases

Highlights individual instances where something applies.

in certain instances

Emphasizes specific occurrences.

under specific conditions

Emphasizes the requirements or terms that need to be met.

in select scenarios

Refers to chosen or particular situations.

for certain scenarios

Focuses on the context or situation.

in exceptional cases

Highlights situations that are out of the ordinary.

in limited circumstances

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the situations.

where applicable

Indicates that something is only relevant in certain situations.

when appropriate

Highlights the suitability of an action or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "in specific situations" in a sentence?

You can use "in specific situations" to indicate that something is only true or applicable under certain circumstances. For example, "In specific situations, additional safety measures may be required".

What are some alternatives to "in specific situations"?

Some alternatives include "under certain circumstances", "in particular cases", or "when appropriate", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "in specific situations"?

While "in specific situations" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes be vague. Whenever possible, providing specific details or examples is generally better for clarity. For example, instead of saying "In specific situations, errors occur", you could say "When data entry fields are not properly validated, errors occur".

What is the difference between "in specific situations" and "generally"?

"In specific situations" refers to particular circumstances, while "generally" refers to what is usually the case. They are nearly opposite in meaning. For example, "Generally, the policy applies to all employees", but "In specific situations, such as during a leave of absence, the policy may be waived".