dark circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dark circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations that are difficult, troubling, or filled with adversity. Example: "She found herself in dark circumstances after losing her job and facing personal challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Clifton was very funny, perhaps especially in dark circumstances.

The New Yorker

Unlike Blume, who took her mainly female protagonists through ordinary, if wrenching, experiences such as puberty, young love and parental divorce, Ms. Duncan plucked her characters from normalcy and placed them in extraordinary, often dark circumstances.

The Washington Post

I'm tired of seeing the one Oscar-worthy film with a black actor in iron shackles or in dark circumstances.

Vice

She had never read anything quite like the script for "Six Feet Under," a drama that, like "American Beauty," makes much use of black humor to offset the dark circumstances its characters face.

Los Angeles Times

"One thing you recognize when you're doing a funeral for a teenager," he said, "is there are a whole lot of other teenagers there who've also walked through dark circumstances and the likelihood they will see suicide as an option has increased dramatically.

Huffington Post

First she enjoys comparing her great triumph to her neighbors' dark circumstances, but soon she finds "that it was not all that much fun being the sort of person who eats a big dinner in a warm house while others shiver on their roofs in the dark".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Also contributing to random acts of blahness: Philein Wang's "Circling to Peace," a martial arts homage that highlighted a beautiful but fervorless Nicole La Cour leading 13 performers through vapid yoga-like paces, and Ronald E. Brown's "Dark Blue Circumstance," a nonet that went nowhere.

Los Angeles Times

All experiments were conducted in conical flask (250 mL) placed on orbital shaker (Stuart scientific, UK) with 200 rpm rotation speed and under dark circumstance.

Applied Water Science

On Saturday, McDaniels had to answer similar questions, this time under darker circumstances.

The New York Times - Sports

The next time that he made international headlines was under much darker circumstances.

The Guardian - Sport

It turns out that he and Shohreh have met before, under considerably darker circumstances.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dark circumstances" when you want to evoke a sense of foreboding or serious adversity. This phrase is particularly effective in narrative writing to create atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "dark circumstances" in situations that are only mildly inconvenient or slightly challenging. This phrase implies a significant level of adversity, and its overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dark circumstances" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes a particular state or situation characterized by difficulty, adversity, or misfortune. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is both grammatically correct and contextually appropriate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dark circumstances" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations marked by significant adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and contextual relevance. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various sources, including news and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, ensure the context warrants its gravity, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "difficult situation" or "troubled times" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. Remember to provide sufficient detail to fully convey the nature and impact of the "dark circumstances" being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult situation

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the situation.

troubled times

Emphasizes the period of difficulty.

adverse conditions

Highlights the unfavorable nature of the environment.

dire straits

Indicates a situation of extreme distress.

unfortunate situation

Focuses on the element of bad luck or misfortune.

grim reality

Highlights the harshness and unpleasantness of the truth.

testing times

Emphasizes the challenging and demanding nature of the period.

challenging environment

Focuses on external difficulties and obstacles.

grave circumstances

Underscores the seriousness and importance of the situation.

inauspicious situation

Highlights the unfavorable or unlucky aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "dark circumstances" to describe situations filled with adversity or difficulty. For instance, "She found herself in "dark circumstances" after losing her job and facing personal challenges".

What are some alternatives to "dark circumstances"?

Alternatives include phrases like "difficult situation", "troubled times", or "adverse conditions", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "dark circumstances"?

The phrase "dark circumstances" is appropriate when describing situations of considerable adversity, hardship, or misfortune, particularly when a sense of foreboding or seriousness is intended.

What is the difference between "dark circumstances" and "difficult situation"?

"Dark circumstances" suggests a more profound and potentially ominous situation than a "difficult situation". While both denote challenges, "dark circumstances" implies a greater degree of severity and potential negativity.