circumstance under which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circumstance under which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the specific conditions or situations that apply to a particular event or action. Example: "The circumstance under which the agreement was signed remains unclear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

I can't imagine a circumstance under which it should.

The New York Times

"The circumstance under which they live, worse and worse.

The Guardian

This is the circumstance under which many traveling jazz soloists work.

The New York Times - Arts

Therefore, an interference resulting in physical dispossession is just one circumstance under which a defendant can be found liable.

Harvard University

His interviewer asked if there was ANY circumstance under which it's ok to talk about income inequality.

The New York Times

"It's a lot less about retiring than about croaking," he said, "because there's no circumstance under which I foresee retiring".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Are there circumstances under which faculty might voluntarily relinquish tenure?

Harvard University

The circumstances under which people go missing differ widely.

The Economist

environment -- The place in which an organism lives, and the circumstances under which it lives.

University of California, Berkeley

(a) generally, substituting present provisions for provisions which specified circumstances under which Comptroller could appoint conservator.

Cornell University

Given the circumstances under which he took power his administration starts under a cloud.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "circumstance under which", ensure that the clause following it provides specific and relevant information about the condition being described. Avoid vague or ambiguous phrasing to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "circumstance under which" when a simpler, more direct phrase can convey the same meaning. Overusing complex phrases can make your writing sound convoluted and less accessible. A simpler phrasing will likely make your sentences better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circumstance under which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a subordinate clause that specifies the conditions or situations relevant to the main clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "circumstance under which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase to specify conditions or situations, Ludwig AI confirms. It's most commonly found in news, academic, and scientific writing. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure that it adds value and clarity, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Simpler alternatives like "when" or "if" may sometimes be more appropriate. This phrase is a solid choice for precise communication across varied contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

situation where

Replaces "circumstance" with "situation", focusing on a specific set of conditions.

condition in which

Emphasizes a specific requirement or state as the defining factor.

context where

Highlights the surrounding environment or background of an event.

scenario in which

Suggests a hypothetical or possible situation.

the case in which

Implies a specific instance or example.

the event where

Focuses on a particular occurrence and its related conditions.

under the conditions that

More formal and emphasizes specific stipulations.

in a situation when

Adds a temporal aspect to the condition.

the framework within which

Describes a set of rules or guidelines.

the environment wherein

Specifies the surrounding factors influencing an occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "circumstance under which" in a sentence?

You can use "circumstance under which" to introduce a condition or situation that affects an action or event. For example, "The circumstance under which the contract was signed is now under investigation".

What are some alternatives to "circumstance under which"?

Alternatives include "situation where", "condition in which", or "context where" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "circumstance under which" and "condition under which"?

"Circumstance under which" refers more broadly to the surrounding factors, while "condition under which" often refers to a specific requirement or state. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a specific requirement or a broader context.

When is it better to use "circumstance under which" versus a simpler word like "when"?

Use "circumstance under which" when you want to emphasize the complexity or specific nature of the conditions surrounding an event. If the conditions are straightforward, a simpler word like "when" or "if" might be more appropriate.