an extraordinary situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extraordinary situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a circumstance that is unusual, remarkable, or out of the ordinary. Example: "The team had to come together quickly to address an extraordinary situation that arose during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

His premise was simple: "An extraordinary request for an extraordinary situation".

The New York Times - Sports

It's an extraordinary situation".

The New York Times

Possession, Paprocki says, is an extraordinary situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Extraordinary language from MPs struggling to describe an extraordinary situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

The shrinking government is a normal response to an extraordinary situation.

The New York Times

She called the economic stimulus package an "extraordinary response" necessitated by "an extraordinary situation".

The New York Times

It was an extraordinary situation," says Marina Johansson, a city councillor responsible for refugee accommodation.

The Guardian

How could such an extraordinary situation have been allowed to develop?

The Guardian

My point, however, is that the extraordinary policies of recent years are responses — inadequate responses — to an extraordinary situation.

The New York Times

He may find the first impossible; his party may find the second unacceptable.It is an extraordinary situation.

The Economist

In many ways, it is a typical Hanks role: a low-key family guy suddenly thrown into an extraordinary situation.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extraordinary situation", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the situation unusual or remarkable. Providing specific details will enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "an extraordinary situation" as a generic descriptor. If the situation is not genuinely remarkable, consider using more neutral terms like "difficult circumstance" or "complex issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extraordinary situation" functions as a noun phrase, with "extraordinary" modifying the noun "situation". It identifies and describes a specific state of affairs, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extraordinary situation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe unusual or remarkable circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, although it's most commonly found in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly justifies the "extraordinary" label. Consider alternatives like "an exceptional circumstance" or "an unusual event" for nuanced meaning. Avoid overuse without proper justification to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional circumstance

Replaces "extraordinary" with "exceptional", implying a deviation from the norm that is noteworthy.

an unusual event

Substitutes "situation" with "event" and "extraordinary" with "unusual", focusing on the occurrence itself rather than the broader context.

a remarkable case

Uses "remarkable" instead of "extraordinary", suggesting something worthy of attention or admiration. "Case" highlights a specific instance.

a singular occurrence

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the event by using "singular" in place of "extraordinary".

an unprecedented set of circumstances

Highlights the novelty of the situation, suggesting it has not happened before.

a one-of-a-kind scenario

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the situation, suggesting there's nothing else like it.

a peculiar state of affairs

Highlights the odd or strange nature of the situation.

a unique confluence of events

Focuses on the specific combination of events that make the situation distinct.

an atypical development

Suggests that the situation is not representative of the usual course of events.

an unforeseen predicament

Highlights the unexpected and potentially problematic nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "an extraordinary situation" in a sentence?

You can use "an extraordinary situation" to describe a circumstance that is unusual, remarkable, or out of the ordinary. For example: "The company faced "an extraordinary situation" when the main supplier went bankrupt."

What can I say instead of "an extraordinary situation"?

You can use alternatives like "an exceptional circumstance", "an unusual event", or "a remarkable case" depending on the context.

Is "an extraordinary situation" formal or informal?

"An extraordinary situation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What makes a situation "extraordinary"?

A situation is considered "extraordinary" when it deviates significantly from the norm, presents unique challenges, or has remarkable consequences. It often implies a need for special attention or action.