circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"circumstances" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to refer to the combination of conditions or factors that surround a situation or event. For example: "The circumstances of the accident made it difficult to determine who was at fault."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There will be some circumstances in which it's right for public bodies, for example at the border, at airport security, to say there is a practical necessity for asking somebody to remove a veil.

The Guardian

"This she has done under the most dangerous circumstances.

The Guardian

"I will always treasure my opportunity to have done that with you, and I will always regret the circumstances that brought that work with you to an end".

The New York Times

He changed the designation of his second home when his circumstances changed in accordance with the rules.

The Guardian

He died suddenly in 2006 in unclear circumstances.

The Guardian

The driver showed immense courage under very difficult circumstances".

The Guardian

Over the next two years, several prominent opposition figures were murdered in mysterious circumstances.

The Guardian

There are no suspicious circumstances and our report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal".

The Guardian

It might be thought, in such circumstances, that there is little more that can be added to the prosecution case against the "community charge".

The Guardian - Opinion

But Kearns said the court "is satisfied, in the circumstances of this case, that it is in the best interests of the unborn child; it should authorise at the discretion of the medical team the withdrawal of ongoing somatic support being provided in this tragic and unfortunate case".

The Guardian

Under normal circumstances, Iran, the most powerful Shia country in the region, treats all religious Iraqi Shia parties equally.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circumstances" to explain the rationale behind a decision or action, highlighting the conditions that influenced the choice.

Common error

Avoid using "circumstances" when simpler words like "situation" or "conditions" suffice. Overusing complex vocabulary can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The term "circumstances" functions primarily as a noun, typically in its plural form, denoting a set of conditions or facts that affect an event, action, or situation. Ludwig showcases numerous instances where it is used to provide context or explain rationale.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "circumstances" is very commonly used, typically in its plural form, to denote the set of conditions or facts that affect a situation. According to Ludwig, "circumstances" is grammatically correct. It is most often found in news and media contexts, serving to provide context and explanation. When writing, remember that simpler words might suffice in less complex sentences to avoid wordiness. Consider alternatives such as ""situation"", ""conditions"", or ""context"" depending on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation

Refers to the set of events or conditions existing at a particular time.

the state of affairs

Describes the general condition or situation.

the conditions

Emphasizes the specific terms or requirements affecting something.

the context

Highlights the environment and background information.

the setting

Focuses on the place or environment where something occurs.

the environment

Highlights external factors influencing events.

the backdrop

Emphasizes the background against which events unfold.

the factors

Highlights the elements contributing to an outcome.

the variables

Focuses on elements that are subject to change or variation.

the realities

Highlights the practical aspects of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use "circumstances" to describe the conditions or factors affecting a situation. For example, "Due to unforeseen "circumstances", the meeting was postponed."

What are some alternatives to the word "circumstances"?

Depending on the context, you can use "situation", "conditions", or "context" as alternatives to "circumstances".

Is there a difference between "circumstance" and "circumstances"?

"Circumstance" is the singular form, referring to a single fact or event. "Circumstances" is the plural form, referring to a combination of facts or events.

Can "circumstances" be used to justify an action?

Yes, "circumstances" can be used to explain or justify an action by highlighting the factors that influenced the decision. For example, "Under these "circumstances", the only option was to..."