circumstance where

USAGE SUMMARY

"circumstance where" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific or particular set of conditions or situation where something happens. For example: "I'm in a difficult circumstance where I have to make a decision that will affect my future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But we don't accept proof by absence in any circumstance where there is real risk.

The New York Times

All six are unwanted except in the special circumstance where yaw is necessary in changing course.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In all the new pressures of historical circumstance, where was direction to be sought?

Encyclopedia Britannica

What do you do in that kind of circumstance where you do get it wrong?

The New York Times

I cannot envision any circumstance where I would support [helicopter money].

The Guardian - Business

It was a circumstance where everybody dropped and Thomas did the best and he won".

The Guardian - Sport

But there's not any circumstance where I would even consider doing that".

The New York Times - Science

I can't imagine a circumstance where North Korea can get the food anywhere else in time".

The New York Times

I can't imagine a circumstance where that would be constitutional," she told the Houston Chronicle.

The Guardian

"But that's the circumstance where we are, and Christian will do a good job for us on Sunday night".

The New York Times - Sports

Under any circumstance where cardiac injury has occurred, a ventricular arrhythmia may potentially become a lethal ventricular event.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circumstance where" to clearly indicate a specific condition or situation that enables or influences an event. Ensure the sentence structure is clear and unambiguous, avoiding overly complex constructions that could obscure the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "circumstance where" in overly general or vague statements. Always ensure that the condition being described is specific and well-defined, providing enough context for the reader to understand the situation accurately. For example, instead of saying "In any circumstance where you need help..." be specific: "In any circumstance where you need immediate medical assistance..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circumstance where" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a noun (circumstance) to a clause that provides more information about it. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, as exemplified in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circumstance where" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a clause specifying a particular condition or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's versatile, appearing across diverse contexts from news and media to scientific research. While generally neutral, it leans toward formal usage, particularly in academic and professional settings. When using "circumstance where", ensure the condition is clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "situation in which" or "case in which" can offer slight variations in emphasis or formality. Remember to use "circumstances where" for plural scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

situation in which

Replaces "circumstance" with "situation", focusing on the specific set of conditions. It is similar in formality.

case in which

Substitutes "circumstance" with "case", highlighting a particular instance or event.

instance where

Similar to "case in which", but emphasizes a specific occurrence. Slightly less formal.

scenario where

Highlights a hypothetical or possible sequence of events, instead of a real one. Less formal.

condition under which

Emphasizes the requirements or prerequisites for something to happen, slightly more formal.

the event that

Focuses on a specific occurrence or incident, implying a more defined happening. High formality.

the situation when

Replaces "where" with "when", to highlight the element of time of the circumstance.

background in which

Describes the surrounding events that allow something to occur.

context in which

Focuses on the broader setting and environment influencing an event. High formality.

the moment when

Specifically indicates the moment or point in time when the condition is met.

FAQs

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

Use "circumstance where" to introduce a clause that describes a specific situation or condition. For instance, "There is no circumstance where lying is acceptable" or "Consider the circumstance where additional resources are needed."

What are some alternatives to "circumstance where"?

You can use alternatives like "situation in which", "case in which", or "condition under which" depending on the context.

Is "circumstance where" formal or informal?

"Circumstance where" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, "situation in which" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "circumstance where" and "circumstances where"?

"Circumstance where" refers to a singular situation, while "circumstances where" refers to multiple or varied situations. Use the plural form when discussing more than one set of conditions.