circumstances where

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circumstances where" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific situation or scenario. For example, "Given the current circumstances where schools have been closed, many parents are struggling to keep their children engaged in learning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can see circumstances where we might.

The Guardian

However, there are circumstances where its task could be obstructed.

Revista Española de Medicina Legal

Have there ever been circumstances where austerity has worked?

Harvard Business Review

I've twice had circumstances where we did call the police.

MIT Technology Review

There are of course circumstances where it's not possible.

The Guardian

The results are in good agreement with previous reports in those circumstances where comparisons are appropriate.

Chemical Engineering Science

Such an isolation scheme may be advantageous in circumstances where a single trench requires unrealistic depth.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

Results of this investigation serve to identify circumstances where these mechanisms may contribute to particle failures.

Journal of Nuclear Materials

There are very few circumstances where they might be out of luck".

The New York Times

In contrast, pathological tachycardia is defined by its presence under circumstances where it is physiologically inappropriate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most people, fortunately, think there are circumstances where that permission should be granted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "circumstances where", ensure the following clause clearly specifies the condition or situation being described. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Don't use "circumstances where" without providing enough context. A sentence like "There are circumstances where action is needed" is less effective than "There are circumstances where immediate action is needed to prevent further damage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circumstances where" functions as a relative clause introducing a condition or situation. It provides context by specifying the conditions under which a particular action, event, or state is applicable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circumstances where" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to introduce a specific situation or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and its examples show its prevalence across diverse fields like science, media, and academia. When writing, ensure the clause following the phrase is clear and specific to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "situations in which" and "cases in which" exist, "circumstances where" remains a versatile and reliable choice for many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

situations in which

This alternative uses "situations" instead of "circumstances", providing a slightly different nuance while maintaining the same core meaning.

cases in which

Using "cases" offers a more specific and sometimes legalistic tone compared to "circumstances".

instances when

This substitutes "circumstances" with "instances" and "where" with "when", focusing on specific occurrences.

occasions when

The word "occasions" implies less formal or critical situations than "circumstances".

conditions under which

This alternative highlights the requirements or prerequisites for something to happen.

contexts in which

Focuses on the broader environment or setting where something occurs.

events when

This alternative emphasizes a specific occurrence or happening.

times when

More informal, focusing on specific instances in time.

scenarios where

This phrase evokes a hypothetical or imagined situation.

realms in which

Suggests a domain or area of activity where something is applicable or relevant.

FAQs

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

Use "circumstances where" to introduce a situation or condition. For example, "There are "circumstances where" such an action is necessary".

What are some alternatives to "circumstances where"?

You can use phrases like "situations in which", "cases in which", or "instances when" as alternatives depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "circumstances that" instead of "circumstances where"?

While "circumstances that" can sometimes be used, "circumstances where" is typically preferred when referring to conditions or situations. "Circumstances that" is better suited for describing characteristics of the circumstances themselves.

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

"Circumstances" and "situations" are often interchangeable. However, "circumstances" may imply a broader set of conditions, while "situations where" might refer to more specific occurrences.