certain circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific situations or conditions that may affect an outcome or decision. Example: "In certain circumstances, we may need to adjust our approach to meet the project's requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

There are mathematical models that, under certain circumstance, make the calculations easier but no less imprecise.

Columbia University

A facile, reproductive method has been successfully developed to produce disk-like microparticles self-assembled from monodispersed hybrid silica nanoparticles under certain circumstance.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

We show that the plasticity and toughness can be enhanced systematically with the increase of the heterogeneity and in certain circumstance even apparent hardening can be achieved.

Scripta Materialia

Multiple models are established and their corresponding controllers are designed according to the characteristics of the thickness of plates under certain circumstance.

Acta Automatica Sinica

Aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs) are very attractive to customers in the energy grid system, and their noticeable technological innovations in past decades are driving them to gradually replace the conventional ESTs under certain circumstance.

Journal of Power Sources

The tunneling current is susceptible to oxide thickness, i.e., a 0.2-nm increase in SiO2 thickness results in the decrease of the tunneling current by more than one magnitude under certain circumstance.

Solar Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Rumour abounds under certain circumstances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In certain circumstances".

The Guardian - Music

SOTOMAYOR:... in certain circumstances.

The Washington Post

For it in certain circumstances.

The New York Times

They are effective only in certain circumstances.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain circumstance", ensure the context clearly indicates which specific situation you are referring to, or what conditions need to be met. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "certain circumstance" without providing any specific details or examples. This can make your writing sound vague and less convincing. Instead, follow it up with a clarification or illustration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain circumstance" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun by specifying a condition or situation under which something occurs. Ludwig shows this phrase used to add conditions to assertions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain circumstance" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce conditionality or exceptions to statements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and academia, it's crucial to provide sufficient clarity regarding the specific conditions being referenced. Related phrases, such as "particular situation" or "specific condition", offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. When writing, avoid overgeneralization and ensure the context clearly defines the circumstance to maintain effective communication. Considering its frequency and diverse applicability, "certain circumstance" remains a valuable tool in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular situation

Emphasizes the specificity of the situation being considered.

specific condition

Highlights the specific requirements or terms that apply.

under some conditions

Similar to "certain circumstance" but focuses on the conditions rather than the circumstance.

in a specific case

Focuses on a singular instance where something applies.

given the situation

Highlights the existing state of affairs as a factor.

depending on the situation

Indicates that the outcome varies based on the present circumstances.

subject to the circumstances

Suggests that something is conditional and influenced by external factors.

contingent upon the situation

Highlights the dependency of an outcome on the prevailing conditions.

in light of the situation

Emphasizes that a decision or action is made considering the surrounding circumstances.

under the right conditions

Focuses on the necessity of having favorable conditions for a specific outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain circumstance" to introduce a condition or situation that influences an outcome. For example, "In certain circumstances, the policy may be waived."

What can I say instead of "certain circumstance"?

You can use alternatives like "particular situation", "specific condition", or "under some conditions" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "certain circumstance" in formal writing?

Yes, "certain circumstance" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the context clearly defines the circumstance to maintain clarity.

What is the difference between "certain circumstance" and "specific situation"?

While both phrases are similar, "certain circumstance" often implies a condition that affects a broader context, whereas "specific situation" focuses on a particular instance. They are mostly interchangeable.