central circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a key or pivotal situation or condition that is significant in a particular context. Example: "The central circumstance of the negotiation was the need for both parties to reach a mutually beneficial agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The central circumstance that directly shaped his thought was the distressed state of Jewish society in Christian Spain.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Smith said he believed the concept of an arranged marriage was "central" to the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.

The Guardian

In those circumstances, central banks have to be a bit more creative if they want to counteract the recessionary impact of wage cuts.

The Guardian - Business

In these circumstances central banks would be raising rates as a precaution.The implications of low rates for the stockmarket are therefore double-edged.

The Economist

The question of an autopsy has become central to the circumstances of Ms. Bhutto's death because of conflicting versions put forward by the Pakistani government, which have stirred an already deep well of distrust of the government among Ms. Bhutto's supporters and other Pakistanis.

The New York Times

In similar circumstances, central banks in the US, UK, and Japan, wanting to provide more stimulus have gone down the path of quantitative easing, QE.

BBC

Under normal circumstances, central chemoreceptors in the brain stem detect the acidity, and respond by increasing the respiratory rate; in OHS, this "ventilatory response" is blunted.

Wikipedia

The value of working at a tertiary hospital where all relevant specialists were available was emphasised, and multidisciplinary team work was described as central in such circumstances: 'I think we do everything in a very ethical way and very non-directive.

BMC Medical Ethics

In those circumstances, the central bank's duty is not to stop a one-time jump in prices.

The Economist

After growing up in modest circumstances in central Massachusetts, Mr. Kelleher enlisted in the Air Force and served as a crash rescue firefighter.

The New York Times

NEW YORK TIMES Understanding JPMorgan's Risk Models  |  The Congressional testimony of JPMorgan Chase's chief executive, Jamie Dimon, indicates that the bank's risk models are central to understanding the circumstances that led to its multibillion-dollar trading loss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "central circumstance" when you want to emphasize the key situation or condition that directly shapes or influences events. It's particularly effective in analytical or explanatory contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "central circumstance" in simple or informal situations where a more straightforward term like "main reason" or "key factor" would suffice. The phrase carries a formal tone that might sound unnecessarily complex in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a principal condition or factor. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights a key element shaping events.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "central circumstance" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize a key situation or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts like news reporting and academic writing, where precise language is valued. Although its frequency is rare, its function is to highlight the principal factor shaping events, and there are several alternatives available depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as "key factor" or "primary condition".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key factor

Focuses more directly on the element that contributes causally or significantly.

primary condition

Emphasizes the essential requirements or state of affairs.

main consideration

Highlights the most important aspect to be taken into account.

chief determinant

Stresses the element that most strongly influences the outcome.

principal element

Draws attention to a fundamental part or aspect of a situation.

core issue

Directs attention to the most important problem or subject.

critical aspect

Emphasizes a feature or element of crucial importance.

pivotal situation

Highlights the turning point or critical juncture of events.

dominant feature

Focuses on the most prominent characteristic.

essential ingredient

Emphasizes the necessary component.

FAQs

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

You can use "central circumstance" to highlight the most important condition or situation affecting an event or decision. For example, "The "central circumstance" of the negotiation was the need for both parties to reach a mutually beneficial agreement."

What are some alternatives to "central circumstance"?

Some alternatives include "key factor", "primary condition", or "main consideration", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "central circumstance" a formal phrase?

Yes, "central circumstance" is generally considered a formal phrase. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "central circumstance" and "key factor"?

"Central circumstance" emphasizes the situation, while "key factor" directly highlights the element contributing causally. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the context or the cause.