contingencies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contingencies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to possible events or situations that may occur in the future, often in the context of planning or risk management. Example: "We need to prepare for any contingencies that may arise during the project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 gives Cabinet ministers sweeping powers in designated emergencies including quarantine areas, restricting travel, handing control of essential industries to the army.

The Guardian - Opinion

Priority should therefore be: end the dock strike as quickly as possible, so that the coal dispute can be played as long as possible," advised Peter Gregson, head of the Cabinet Office civil contingencies unit.

The Guardian

Dugher questioned why the government had allowed 17 train operators to run no service on Boxing Day, and asked what assurances had been given over contingencies should work overrun.

The Guardian

Or is it sometimes a mistake to speak of a "true" preference that exists within the individual, divorced from the contingencies of a particular choice scenario?

The Economist

Hayek recognised the moral problem of out-of-the-gate income inequality, but he resisted policies designed to correct it.A better approach comes from John Rawls, who noted that life prospects are deeply influenced by contingencies of birth, including inborn talents, social class and luck.

The Economist

It has never been Canadian policy to engage only in peacekeeping or humanitarian intervention under UN auspices; defence planning and purchases have always included war-fighting contingencies.

The Economist

Volume one focused on building a bird; volume two covers the challenges a picosatellite faces in LEO, and how to prepare for contingencies using inexpensive off-the-shelf kit (such as a $20 automotive brake-bleeder hand pump to simulate a vacuum).

The Economist

Better, he thinks, to amass an imposing force, which will increase the chances that Iraq capitulates without a fight, and allow General Franks to respond to any contingencies or counter-attacks.Amid all the propaganda and conjecture, some probable elements of an American campaign can be identified.

The Economist

This uncertainty helps some workers: if a firm has no idea from which direction the next competitive threat will come, one of its few sensible strategies is to amass good people to prepare for as many contingencies as possible.

The Economist

The Air Force's chief scientist, Mark Maybury, points out that there will be an almost infinite combination of contingencies facing drones.

The Economist

The temporary nature of the extension makes it similar to the emergency powers already available under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, Ms Smith claims.Related items Bagehot: Twenty-eight days, 28 monthsDec 13th 2007The new plan has a whiff of hasty drafting about it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contingencies", ensure you clearly outline the specific scenarios you are preparing for to make your plans actionable.

Common error

Avoid creating contingency plans that are too broad. General plans often lack the specificity needed to effectively address real-world scenarios. Focus on detailed responses to particular potential events.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contingencies" is as a plural noun. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, referring to possible future events or conditions that may or may not occur. Ludwig examples illustrate this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "contingencies" refers to possible future events, especially those that could cause problems, requiring proactive planning and risk management. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and sees frequent usage across diverse sources, including news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, ensure that contingency plans are specific and actionable, avoiding overgeneralization. Alternatives like "possible events" or "unforeseen circumstances" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. Understanding these aspects ensures effective communication and preparedness in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possible events

Focuses on the potential for events to occur, rather than the preparation for them.

potential outcomes

Emphasizes the results that might arise from a situation.

unforeseen circumstances

Highlights the unexpected nature of the situations.

unexpected events

Similar to "unforeseen circumstances", but more general.

possible scenarios

Focuses on creating hypothetical situations that might occur.

future possibilities

Highlights the potential events that could happen in the future.

alternative outcomes

Focuses on different results that may occur.

backup plans

Emphasizes the planning aspect of dealing with potential problems.

emergency measures

Highlights the actions taken when unexpected events occur.

safety nets

Focuses on the protective measures in place to prevent negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "contingencies" in a sentence?

"Contingencies" is a plural noun that refers to possible future events or circumstances, especially ones that might cause problems. For example, "We need to plan for all possible "contingencies" before launching the new project".

What are some alternatives to using "contingencies"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "possible events", "potential outcomes", or "unforeseen circumstances".

Is it correct to use "contingencies" in a business context?

Yes, "contingencies" is often used in business to refer to potential risks and the plans made to address them. For example, "The company has a fund set aside for "contingencies" like market downturns or unexpected expenses".

What's the difference between "risks" and "contingencies"?

"Risks" generally refer to the possibility of something bad happening, while "contingencies" refers to the plans and preparations made to deal with those potential risks. Planning for "contingencies" involves preparing for specific "risks".