certain circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific situations or conditions under which something may occur or be applicable. Example: "The policy will only be enforced under certain circumstances, such as when safety is compromised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rumour abounds under certain circumstances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In certain circumstances".

The Guardian - Music

SOTOMAYOR:... in certain circumstances.

The Washington Post

It's beneficial in certain circumstances.

The Guardian

For it in certain circumstances.

The New York Times

They are effective only in certain circumstances.

Harvard Business Review

Under certain circumstances, it may transmit disease.

The New Yorker

Maybe, she concedes, in certain circumstances.

The Guardian

In certain circumstances travel is unavoidable.

The Guardian

Under certain circumstances data is missing.

Cornell University

In certain circumstances the c-word is acceptable, and in certain circumstances it is not.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain circumstances", be specific about what those circumstances are to avoid ambiguity. Clearly define the conditions that apply.

Common error

Avoid using "certain circumstances" without providing further clarification. General references can leave your audience unclear about the specific conditions you're referring to. Instead, elaborate on what those conditions are to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain circumstances" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It sets a condition or context for an action or statement, indicating that it is not universally applicable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain circumstances" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that introduces conditionality. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically sound and found extensively in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure you provide enough context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "specific situations" or "particular conditions" may offer more precision depending on your needs. The high frequency and diverse application of "certain circumstances" underscore its importance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific situations

Replaces "circumstances" with a more direct and common synonym, emphasizing the particular nature of the scenario.

particular conditions

Substitutes "circumstances" with "conditions", highlighting the requirements or stipulations in question.

under some conditions

Rephrases the phrase to emphasize that the conditions are not universally applicable.

in specific cases

Focuses on individual instances or occurrences where something applies.

under defined conditions

Highlights that the conditions are clearly specified and not vague.

in select situations

Emphasizes that only a carefully chosen group of situations are relevant.

depending on the situation

Shifts the focus to the situational context as the determining factor.

contingent on the situation

Emphasizes that the outcome is dependent on the prevailing situation.

subject to specific constraints

Highlights the presence of limiting factors affecting the applicability.

when specific criteria are met

Focuses on the fulfillment of particular requirements or benchmarks.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain circumstances" to introduce conditions or situations where a particular action, rule, or outcome applies. For example, "The policy is only applicable under "specific conditions"."

What are some alternatives to "certain circumstances"?

Alternatives include "specific situations", "particular conditions", or "in specific cases", depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "certain circumstances"?

While "certain circumstances" is grammatically correct, providing specific details enhances clarity. If possible, replace it with a description of the actual conditions such as "when safety is compromised".

What's the difference between "certain circumstances" and ""specific conditions""?

Both phrases are very similar. "Specific conditions" might imply a more detailed or regulated set of requirements, whereas "certain circumstances" is a slightly broader term encompassing various situational factors.