circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'circumstance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a condition, event, or fact that is relevant to something else and that may affect the way in which it develops or is seen. For example, you could say: "In light of the current circumstances, we have decided to postpone the event until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were wrong no matter the circumstance and I regret them".

The Guardian - Tech

It's nothing to do with my capabilities that I'm not there, it's purely circumstance but it is no drama.

The Guardian - Sport

This claim is disputed by other MPs, though, who suggest that the Dutch economic situation is basically healthy, so the 'exceptional circumstance' argument does not apply.

The Guardian - Business

Beyond this that he is in his own way a victim of circumstance, an under-finished finisher who simply needs a little overdue affectionate maintenance.

The Guardian - Sport

"The circumstance that torn-up current medical certificates – also pertaining to the day of the act – were found, supports, after preliminary examination, the assumption that the deceased hid his illness from his employer and his professional circles".

The Guardian

Contemporary nationalism doesn't leave space for self-doubt, and their truth is enduring regardless of circumstance".

The Guardian

A new burlesque played at the Court Theatre on Wednesday night owes an attraction, which is said to have been cordially appreciated by the audience, to the circumstance of its including vivid caricatures of Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. Ayrton among the characters represented.

The Guardian

Scotland's once-dominant centre-left party, observed the then Scottish Labour leader, Jim Murphy, had been "overwhelmed by history and circumstance".

The Guardian

Relevant issues remain relevant irrespective of occasion and circumstance, and concerns that the US is using the situation as an excuse to increase neo-imperial dominance within the African continent are no small matter.

The Guardian

And even if you start a BBC career self-describing as working class, a few years later, outlook and circumstance can alter to a degree that renders the label untenable.

The Guardian

Instead, it's to do with circumstance, the demands of format, the ebb and flow of the red-ball game.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "circumstance" with adjectives to add precision, such as "exceptional circumstance", "difficult circumstance", or "unforeseen circumstance".

Common error

Be mindful of the singular versus plural form. "Circumstance" refers to a specific condition or event, while "circumstances" typically refers to a set of conditions or the overall situation. Using the wrong form can alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The noun "circumstance" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its role in denoting a condition, event, or fact related to a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circumstance" is a versatile noun used to describe a condition, event, or fact relevant to a situation. As per Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and common in various contexts, including News & Media, Sport, and Business. Related terms include "situation", "condition", and "context", each offering a slightly different shade of meaning. Understanding the subtle nuances in meaning helps to select the most appropriate alternative, adding precision to your writing. To avoid confusion, remember that "circumstance" refers to a specific fact, while "circumstances" denotes the overall conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

situation

Focuses more on the specific set of conditions at a given time.

condition

Emphasizes a specific state or prerequisite.

context

Highlights the environment that gives meaning to an event.

event

Refers to a specific occurrence that influences the surroundings.

state of affairs

Describes the general condition or situation of things.

turn of events

Highlights an unexpected change in the situation.

predicament

Focuses on a difficult or unpleasant situation.

position

Refers to a specific placement or status in relation to others.

juncture

Highlights a critical point in time or a state of affairs.

the lay of the land

An idiomatic expression that captures the overall conditions or situation.

FAQs

How do you use "circumstance" in a sentence?

You can use "circumstance" to refer to a condition, event, or fact that has an impact on something. For example, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the meeting has been postponed."

What can I say instead of "circumstance"?

You can use alternatives like "situation", "condition", or "context" depending on what you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "under the circumstance" or "under the circumstances"?

While both are used, "under the circumstances" is more common and grammatically sound when referring to the overall conditions affecting a situation. "Under the circumstance" might be used when referring to a specific, isolated condition.

What's the difference between "circumstance" and "situation"?

"Circumstance" refers to a specific fact or event affecting a situation, while "situation" is a broader term referring to the overall state of affairs.