as circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as circumstance" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear when it could be used due to its lack of clarity and grammatical structure. Example: "As circumstance dictates, we must adapt our plans accordingly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The author is as implacable as circumstance.

The Guardian - Books

Compelled as much by familiarity as circumstance, Morrison accepted a scholarship to Gonzaga in his native Spokane.

The New York Times

Tough, composed and complete, he can occupy and flay as circumstance demands – and his catching is pretty good too.

The Guardian - Sport

Families at Tyuonyi farmed as much as circumstance allowed, and also hunted game and collected edible plants.

The New York Times - Travel

The respective rises to this night, where both made their full Liverpool debuts, is a mark of determination and development as well as circumstance.

Independent

By the time of the 2008 election Obama had become a sort of racial O-negative, a fragile position he could maintain only so long as circumstance coöperated.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

This work will continue as circumstances evolve.

Harvard University

Spinal circuits generate locomotion with variable speed as circumstances demand.

Neuron

But as circumstances have changed, so has the Fed itself.

The New York Times

"You can make some amendments as circumstances change".

The New York Times - Arts

Cautious or daring as circumstances required, Shackleton was a rock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "depending on the circumstances" or "as circumstances dictate" for clarity. These phrases are grammatically sound and widely understood.

Common error

Do not use "as circumstance" without a verb (e.g., "as circumstance dictates"). This phrasing often results in grammatically incorrect sentences. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives like "depending on the situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as circumstance" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often attempting to modify a verb or clause by indicating a condition or contingency. However, this usage is often grammatically incorrect without additional context such as a verb (e.g., "as circumstance dictates"). As Ludwig AI explains, the plain use of this phrase lacks clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "as circumstance" appears in various contexts, it is often grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI indicates that the plain use of this phrase lacks clarity. It's better to use clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "depending on the circumstances" or "as conditions allow". These alternatives ensure your writing is precise and easily understood, avoiding potential misinterpretations. If you intend to use the phrase, ensure you use "as circumstance dictates".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depending on the circumstances

Uses the plural "circumstances" to align with standard English usage and improve grammatical correctness.

depending on the situation

Replaces "circumstance" with "situation", offering a clearer and more common alternative.

according to the situation

Implies that actions will vary to match the specifics of each unique scenario.

based on the situation

Highlights that decisions are informed by and responsive to existing conditions.

given the current situation

Acknowledges the existing circumstances as a precondition for subsequent actions.

as conditions allow

Focuses on the permissibility aspect of circumstances, suggesting adaptation based on available resources or limitations.

contingent on the situation

Stresses that outcomes are not fixed but depend on what unfolds.

in light of the situation

Indicates that new understanding or information about a situation guides actions.

subject to the situation

Emphasizes that actions or decisions are conditional on the current state of affairs.

as the case may be

Provides a more formal alternative, suitable for situations where flexibility is required.

FAQs

How to use "as circumstance" correctly in a sentence?

While "as circumstance" is often grammatically incorrect, you can use the phrase "as circumstance dictates" or, for better clarity, use alternatives such as "depending on the circumstances".

What can I say instead of "as circumstance"?

Alternatives to "as circumstance" include "depending on the situation", "as conditions allow", or "as the case may be", which are grammatically sound and clearer.

Which is correct, "as circumstance" or "as circumstances"?

"As circumstances" is grammatically more accurate than "as circumstance". However, phrases like "depending on the circumstances" are generally preferred for clarity.

Is "as circumstance" formal or informal?

Given that "as circumstance" is often grammatically incorrect, it is not suitable for formal writing. Opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives like "depending on the circumstances" or "as conditions allow".