circumstances allowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circumstances allowing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will happen if the conditions permit it. Example: "We will proceed with the event, circumstances allowing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

For too long, Canberra have been willing to wallow in their circumstances, allowing them to become excuses.

The Guardian - Sport

The ophthalmometer permits the measurement of the accommodation of the eye to changing optical circumstances, allowing, among other things, the proper prescription of eyeglasses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He did not appear to be fazed by the circumstances, allowing five hits and walking one while striking out five, including Jeter twice and Robinson Cano once.

The New York Times

Mr. Ross, who retired in 2001 after 32 years as a prosecutor, said many of the legal changes applied in rare circumstances, allowing prosecutors to nail down shaky cases that might otherwise fall apart.

The New York Times

The judge said he would now consider only whether a district court could limit a district attorney's power to dismiss a criminal case and, if there were circumstances allowing a court to intervene, whether they were present in Dr. Tiller's case.

The New York Times

This spares the see-no-evil behavior of the European Union — established in the middle of the last decade when countries like France, Germany and Italy disregarded the euro zone's deficit criteria — which in turn set up the circumstances allowing Greece to cook its books until caught out, in large part, by the markets and ratings agencies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Sometimes circumstances compel you to raise taxes, sometimes circumstances allow you to cut them.

The New York Times

In the end, Lincoln fulfilled most of the abolitionists' hopes — as circumstances allowed.

The New York Times

"In my opinion, they have tried to address the problem as best as the circumstances allow.

The New York Times

Both would pull American forces out of Iraq as soon as circumstances allow.

The Economist

The new proposals would in some circumstances allow more tree-felling than in the past.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "circumstances allowing", clearly define what those circumstances are to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying, "We will proceed, circumstances allowing," specify, "We will proceed with the outdoor event, circumstances allowing for favorable weather conditions."

Common error

While "circumstances allowing" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. More precise language might be preferable, such as "contingent upon specific conditions" or "subject to certain prerequisites."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circumstances allowing" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating a condition or contingency. Ludwig shows that is often used to express that an action or event is dependent on the existing or future conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circumstances allowing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express contingency. Ludwig's analysis reveals its prevalence in news, scientific and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse professional settings. While versatile, it's essential to define the specific circumstances for clarity, and consider more formal alternatives like "contingent upon" or "subject to" in highly formal contexts. Ludwig AI validated the phrase's correctness. Related phrases such as "conditions permitting" can offer subtle shifts in meaning or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conditions permitting

Replaces "circumstances" with the more general term "conditions", emphasizing the required factors rather than specific events.

if conditions permit

This alternative phrase is different because the phrase puts more emphasis on permission from the condition rather than the situation.

situation permitting

Replacing "circumstances" with "situation" offers a slightly less formal and more immediate sense of context.

provided the opportunity arises

This alternative phrase is different because it introduces a more active element of seeking and utilizing an opportunity.

where feasible

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective, indicating practicality and ease of implementation.

as and when possible

Indicates an action will occur incrementally over time as opportunities present themselves.

subject to the right conditions

Specifies that external factors must be precisely aligned for the action to occur.

depending on the context

Highlights the variability of the action based on the surrounding environment or situation.

if the opportunity presents itself

Shifts focus to the active emergence of an opportunity that enables the action.

contingent upon events

Makes the action entirely dependent on the occurrence of specific events or outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "circumstances allowing" to indicate that an action or event will occur only if the current conditions permit it. For example, "We will launch the project next quarter, "circumstances allowing"."

What's a more formal alternative to "circumstances allowing"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "contingent upon events" or "subject to the right conditions", which provide a higher level of formality and precision.

Is "circumstances allowing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "circumstances allowing" is grammatically correct and functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb in the main clause. Ludwig AI also confirms its validity based on a vast collection of reliable sources.

What is the difference between "circumstances allowing" and "if circumstances permit"?

While both convey a similar meaning, "circumstances allowing" is a more concise, direct way of expressing that an action will proceed only if conditions are favorable. "If circumstances permit" is more explicitly conditional and can provide slightly more emphasis on the contingency.