defined circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defined circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific situation or condition that has been clearly outlined or established. Example: "In a defined circumstance, the rules may be adjusted to accommodate unique needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Within this tightly defined circumstance, you're not acting on your own volition — you're merely a surrogate for an individual who can no longer act on his own.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

You succeeded in limiting joint political actions to a few narrowly defined circumstances and instances.

The Guardian - Opinion

The president can no longer dissolve parliament at will, but only in specific, narrowly defined circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2014, when the last official figures were compiled, there were 5,875 armed police officers, though they were only deployed in strictly defined circumstances.

The Guardian

Although many travel insurance policies cover trip cancellation or interruption because of terrorism, they typically outline very narrowly defined circumstances that would kick in this provision.

The New York Times - Travel

It proposes "allowing an optional section of the personal statement to be tailored to each choice and allowing additional personal statements in defined circumstances".

The Guardian

She predicted that the right to copy, under carefully defined circumstances, would still "definitely apply to AIDS drugs, cancer drugs and lifesaving drugs".

The New York Times

By explicitly authorizing these offensive operations in appropriate, defined circumstances, a new statute would strengthen the president's power to provide for the common defense in cyberspace.

The New York Times

"International law already prohibits the use of currently available autonomous technology for offensive attack operations [unless they are tasked] in the most particular and narrowly defined circumstances," Boothby said.

The Guardian

On Friday, the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), which represents companies sending mailshots and other marketing material, wrote to the regulator objecting to Royal Mail's request, but adding that restrictions could be lifted in tightly defined circumstances.

The Guardian - Business

The criticism came a day after the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, said his cabinet had formally endorsed a reinterpretation of a constitutional clause banning the use of armed force except in narrowly defined circumstances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defined circumstance", ensure the defining factors are clearly articulated within the surrounding text to avoid ambiguity. If the reader is not completely clear on what exactly the defined aspects of the circumstance are, the phrase loses its meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "defined circumstance" as filler. The phrase is most effective when the circumstance is genuinely well-defined and these defining factors are explicitly stated, not just implied. Otherwise, simpler terms like "situation" or "condition" are preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defined circumstance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'defined' acts as an adjective modifying 'circumstance'. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a situation or condition with clearly established parameters.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defined circumstance" is a grammatically correct but relatively rare phrase used to describe a situation with clear and specific parameters. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to provide clarity and precision. It appears primarily in news and scientific contexts, and is best used when the defining factors of the circumstance are explicitly stated. Related phrases include "specific situation" and "established condition". Avoid using it vaguely; ensure the defining factors are clear to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific situation

Replaces "defined circumstance" with a more general term, focusing on the specificity of the situation.

particular case

Highlights the individual nature of the situation, rather than its defined parameters.

established condition

Emphasizes that the circumstance is not only defined, but also well-established.

specified context

Focuses on the contextual parameters that have been clearly specified.

narrowly defined situation

Adds emphasis on the limited scope of the defined situation.

prescribed situation

Suggests the circumstance is not just defined, but also determined or imposed.

explicit situation

Highlights the clarity and explicitness of the situational parameters.

fixed situation

Stresses that the circumstance is unchangeable or predetermined.

circumstance with clear parameters

Rephrases "defined circumstance" in a more descriptive way, emphasizing the well-defined aspects.

set of conditions

Uses the term 'conditions' to indicate a specific circumstance.

FAQs

How can I use "defined circumstance" in a sentence?

Use "defined circumstance" when referring to a situation or condition that has clear and specific parameters. For example: "In a carefully "defined circumstance", the new rules will apply."

What are some alternatives to "defined circumstance"?

Alternatives include "specific situation", "particular case", or "established condition", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What makes a circumstance "defined"?

A "defined circumstance" has clear and specific boundaries, parameters, or characteristics that distinguish it from other situations. These defining factors should be clearly identifiable.

Is it better to say "defined circumstance" or "specific circumstance"?

While both are acceptable, "defined circumstance" implies that the parameters are explicitly outlined or established, while "specific circumstance" simply highlights that the situation is particular but not necessary previously defined.