a scenario under which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scenario under which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific situation or set of conditions that may lead to a particular outcome or event. Example: "We need to consider a scenario under which the project could fail due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Few analysts could offer a scenario under which the junta would willingly surrender power, however.

The New York Times

I think there is a scenario under which Mr. Pawlenty could have won the nomination.

The New York Times

"I cannot imagine a scenario under which he would step down one single day before his term ends.

The New York Times

There is a scenario under which there could be a change of government without the CDU/CSU and Free Democrats winning an overall majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

His campaign has even sketched out a scenario under which he would end up with more delegates than Trump heading into the convention.

The Washington Post

QUESTION: It sounds like what you're saying is there is a situation, there is a scenario under which you would withdraw Brett Kavanaugh's nomination.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Borys Filatov, a deputy governor of Dnipropetrovsk, speaks worryingly of a "Somalia scenario", under which the Donbas becomes a swathe of ungoverned territory harbouring bandits who cross into the rest of Ukraine to raid, kidnap and steal.

The Economist

The investigator determines whether a proposition is dubitable by attempting to construct a possible scenario under which it is false.

SEP

Friedman outlines a compelling scenario under which the ratio of the average incomes of the richest five per cent of households to the poorest twenty percent would fall from 27.5 to 10.1.

The New Yorker

The first scenario can be considered a baseline scenario, under which there is no further new forest plantation establishment in the future.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

For example, the global mean iF is 35% lower in a sensitivity scenario under which the urban mixing height is constrained to be at least 100 m at all times.

Environmental Science & Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a scenario under which" when you want to explore the potential consequences or outcomes of a specific set of conditions. It's particularly useful in strategic planning or risk assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "a scenario under which" when a simpler construction like "when" or "if" would suffice. Brevity enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scenario under which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a hypothetical situation or condition. This phrase sets the stage for exploring potential outcomes or consequences based on the defined parameters. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a grammatically sound and usable construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scenario under which" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to introduce hypothetical situations and explore potential outcomes. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While functional, remember to consider more concise alternatives when appropriate to improve clarity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, and provides examples demonstrating its wide-ranging application. When using the phrase, ensure that you are clearly outlining the conditions and their expected consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a situation where

Replaces 'scenario' with 'situation', focusing on the circumstances rather than the hypothetical nature.

a case in which

Substitutes 'scenario' with 'case', implying a specific instance or occurrence.

a circumstance where

Uses 'circumstance' instead of 'scenario', highlighting the surrounding conditions.

under circumstances where

Emphasizes the conditional aspect by front-loading the phrase with 'under circumstances'.

in a situation where

Adds 'in', making the phrase slightly more formal while retaining the core meaning.

a possibility that

Shifts the focus to the chance of something happening, rather than the conditions surrounding it.

a hypothetical situation in which

Explicitly states the situation is hypothetical, adding emphasis.

a condition where

Focuses specifically on the prerequisite or requirement being met.

an instance when

Replaces the focus from a scenario to a particular moment or event.

if ever

A more concise way to express a conditional possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "a scenario under which" in a sentence?

The phrase "a scenario under which" introduces a hypothetical situation and its potential outcome. For example, "Consider "a scenario under which" interest rates rise sharply."

What are some alternatives to "a scenario under which"?

Alternatives include "a situation where", "a case in which", or "if", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to use "a scenario under which"?

No, sometimes simpler phrasing is better. Using just "if" or restructuring the sentence to be more direct can often improve clarity and conciseness.

What's the difference between "a scenario under which" and "a situation where"?

"A scenario under which" implies a more hypothetical or planned situation, whereas "a situation where" can refer to an existing or observed set of circumstances.