difficult circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult circumstances" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation or environment that is challenging in some way. For example: He struggled to keep his job in the difficult circumstances of a struggling economy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— under difficult circumstances.

The Washington Post

Did good in v difficult circumstances.

The Guardian

"We come in difficult circumstances".

The Guardian

It is working under incredibly difficult circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He came in under very difficult circumstances.

The New York Times - Sports

I faced very difficult circumstances as chancellor.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wrote it under difficult circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even under the most difficult circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

The West Bank economy has grown in difficult circumstances.

The New York Times

They set up communities in the midst of difficult circumstances".

The New York Times

"We are siding with Ireland in the difficult circumstances".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult circumstances", provide specific details about the nature of the difficulties to give your writing more clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "They succeeded despite difficult circumstances", specify "They succeeded despite the economic recession and lack of funding."

Common error

Avoid using "difficult circumstances" as a generic phrase without further explanation. If you don't specify what makes the circumstances difficult, your writing may sound vague and unconvincing. Always aim to provide context or examples to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult circumstances" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "under difficult circumstances") or as a general descriptor of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult circumstances" is a versatile and widely used phrase for describing challenging situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across diverse contexts. While the phrase is frequently used in news, business, and scientific domains, remember to provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact. Instead of relying on vague generalities, offering specific examples will make your writing more persuasive and informative. Consider related phrases like "challenging conditions" or "adverse conditions" for nuanced variations. By following these guidelines, you can effectively employ "difficult circumstances" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging conditions

Focuses on the demanding aspect of the situation, highlighting the obstacles and tests involved.

adverse conditions

Emphasizes the negative and unfavorable nature of the situation, suggesting potential harm or setback.

trying circumstances

Highlights the testing and stressful nature of the situation, focusing on the emotional toll.

hardship

A single word that encapsulates the essence of suffering and difficulty.

tough times

An informal way to refer to a period marked by difficulties and challenges.

straitened circumstances

Focuses on limitations and restrictions, often implying financial difficulties.

precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and risk associated with the situation, highlighting potential danger.

unfavorable circumstances

Highlights that the circumstances are not beneficial or advantageous.

adverse situation

Highlights the antagonistic nature of the situation, suggesting opposition or conflict.

challenging time

A more general way to refer to a period marked by tests.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult circumstances" to describe situations involving hardship, adversity, or challenges. For instance, "The company managed to thrive despite the "challenging economic climate"" or "She overcame many obstacles due to her "humble beginnings".

What phrases are similar to "difficult circumstances"?

Alternatives include "challenging conditions", "adverse conditions", or "trying circumstances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "difficult circumstances"?

While "difficult circumstances" is grammatically correct, being specific enhances clarity and impact. Instead of just saying "They persevered through difficult circumstances", consider detailing the exact nature of the difficulties, such as "They persevered through financial hardships and political instability".

Can "difficult circumstances" refer to positive outcomes?

While the phrase typically implies negative situations, it can also highlight resilience and achievement in the face of adversity. For example, "His success, achieved under "difficult circumstances", is truly inspiring" showcases the positive impact of overcoming hardship.