a certain circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific situation or condition without naming it directly. Example: "In a certain circumstance, we may need to reconsider our approach to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Last week, in a certain circumstance [taking a quick tap penalty against Toulouse], he made the wrong decision.

BBC

It is common to refer to what an actual individual would do in a certain circumstance, for one can speak of that individual's dispositions and character as so far formed.

SEP

If a person has never been in an abusive relationship, it is all too easy to take the moral high road and guess at his or her reaction to a certain circumstance.

Huffington Post

It also may be ambiguous whether people consider a certain circumstance, such as having children from a previous relationship, as a constraint keeping them from living together or as a reason to prefer to live independently.

Demographic Research

If your past pain has created some sort of fear about a certain circumstance or part of life, actively work on confronting that fear and beating it back.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It has proposed a rule that would require a company, under certain circumstances, to include in its proxy materials a shareholder's or group's nominees for director.

The New York Times

"When people use a telephone, under certain circumstances, law enforcement has a means of intercepting that," he said.

The New York Times

Stiffer punishments were also put in place for specific crimes, like peddling drugs near a school or wearing a mask in certain circumstances.

The New York Times

The difference, he said, is that the law allows an operator to sue a supplier under certain circumstances.

The New York Times

For research without consent to be accepted as a necessity in certain circumstances we suggest there is a need for public involvement in the debate.

BMC Medical Ethics

A nation departing from strict neutrality by giving assistance to one of the contending factions in a war may still be considered a nonbelligerent under certain circumstances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain circumstance" when you want to refer to a situation without explicitly naming it, often to maintain discretion or generality.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain circumstance" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound vague. Whenever possible, be specific about the situation to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a particular situation or condition, often without explicitly defining it. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain circumstance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a specific situation without explicitly defining it. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides real-world examples. While the phrase is valid, you should be mindful of using it sparingly and opting for more specific language when clarity is paramount. It is most commonly found in news and scientific writing. Consider using alternatives like "a particular situation" or "a specific condition" for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular situation

Focuses on the specific nature of the situation.

a specific condition

Emphasizes the requirements or terms of the circumstance.

under certain conditions

Highlights the dependence of an outcome on specific factors.

in certain cases

Refers to instances where something is true or applicable.

in specific instances

Similar to 'in certain cases' but emphasizes individual occurrences.

given the circumstances

Acknowledges the surrounding factors influencing a situation.

depending on the context

Highlights that meaning or action is determined by surrounding factors.

in a given scenario

Frames the circumstance as a hypothetical or model situation.

subject to the situation

Indicates that something is contingent upon the circumstances.

in light of the events

Considers a situation with respect to recent happenings.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain circumstance" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain circumstance" when referring to a particular situation without providing specific details. For example, "In "a certain circumstance", confidentiality is paramount."

What phrases are similar to "a certain circumstance"?

Similar phrases include "a particular situation", "a specific condition", or "under certain conditions". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain circumstance" instead of being more specific?

It is appropriate when the details are irrelevant, confidential, or understood by the audience. It is also useful when generalizing across multiple similar situations.

Is there a difference between "a certain circumstance" and "certain circumstances"?

"A certain circumstance" refers to a single, specific situation, while "certain circumstances" refers to multiple or general situations. For example, "A certain circumstance requires immediate action," versus "Certain circumstances may warrant a review."