circumstances under which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'circumstances under which' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to conditions under which something occurs. For example, "We must consider the circumstances under which the decision was made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The circumstances under which people go missing differ widely.

The Economist

He said: "The circumstances under which this would apply are very narrow indeed".

The Guardian

However, many donors have policies that dictate the circumstances under which procurement can take place.

The Guardian

The sixth uncertainty is the economic circumstances under which the negotiations will take place.

The Guardian - Business

The circumstances under which Mr. Black died remain very much a mystery.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

In many ways, the circumstances under which corporate brand strategy first rose to prominence have reëmerged.

The New Yorker

Perhaps what they have most in common are the difficult circumstances under which they live.

The New Yorker

Before each song, give a brief explanation of the circumstances under which it was written.

The New York Times

"There are no circumstances under which Senator Clinton will run for governor".

The New York Times

A police spokeswoman said she did not know the circumstances under which the body was discovered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circumstances under which" to introduce a detailed explanation of specific conditions or situations. This phrase adds a level of formality and precision to your writing, particularly in professional or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "circumstances under which" when a simpler preposition like "in" or "under" would suffice. For example, instead of "the circumstances under which the fire started are unknown", consider "the circumstances in which the fire started are unknown" or "the circumstances surrounding the fire are unknown".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circumstances under which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It specifies the conditions or situations that apply to a particular event, action, or state. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circumstances under which" is a versatile phrase used to specify the conditions or situations relevant to an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, indicating its suitability for professional and academic writing. Remember to use it when precision and detail are needed to explain the conditions surrounding an event, and avoid using it when simpler alternatives suffice. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can enhance the clarity and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under what circumstances

Very similar, but uses 'what' to put emphasis on the kind of circumstances.

conditions in which

Emphasizes the specific requirements or states needed for something to happen; slightly more direct.

situations where

Focuses on particular scenarios or instances where something takes place; more informal.

under what conditions

Highlights the specific terms or prerequisites necessary for an event; more interrogative in nature.

in what situation

Similar to "situations where" but can be used to explore a specific hypothetical case.

in cases where

Suggests that something happens only within specified instances or occurrences; suitable for rules or guidelines.

in the context of

Focuses on the broader setting or environment in which something occurs; suitable for academic or formal writing.

when

A simple substitution that can sometimes replace the whole phrase, especially when time is a key factor in defining circumstances.

given that

Introduces a premise or condition that must be true for something else to happen; more concise.

provided that

Specifies a condition that must be met for something to be valid or allowed; slightly more formal.

FAQs

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

Use "circumstances under which" to introduce a detailed explanation of specific conditions or situations, for instance, "The report details the "circumstances under which" the company filed for bankruptcy".

What are some alternatives to "circumstances under which"?

You can use alternatives like "conditions in which", "situations where", or "under what conditions", depending on the context and desired level of formality. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance.

Is "circumstances in which" interchangeable with "circumstances under which"?

While similar, "circumstances in which" is a more general phrase referring to the setting or situation. "Circumstances under which" implies a more specific set of conditions or requirements. Therefore, they aren't always interchangeable.

When is it best to use "circumstances under which" over simpler alternatives?

Use "circumstances under which" when you want to emphasize the specific and often complex conditions that lead to a particular outcome or event. This phrase adds formality and precision, suitable for academic or professional writing.