evil circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"evil circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to situations or conditions that are distasteful, harmful, or dangerous. For example: "The country has been faced with some truly evil circumstances lately due to the ongoing conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The trick is to find a handle on this as a means of being grateful, even if gratitude arises out of an awareness of immediate experience (which can be a powerful tool to cultivate) rather than to allow evil circumstances to control us.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Evil, evil, evil.

TechCrunch

The earlier, more established strand centres on the question of original sin, inexplicable malevolence, the appearance of evil in everyday circumstances.

The Guardian - Film

Young land started growing The young blood started flowing But I ain't marchin' anymore Mr. Bowser and other voices -- Pete Seeger, Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez and Tom Haydenn -- pepper the film with praise for Mr. Ochs's history-driven, pamphlet-style songs: forceful, angry and cleverly absurd lessons about society's evil and unfair circumstances; Tom Paine with a guitar.

The New York Times

The free world will not cave in, as it never has in the past, when confronted with terror, brutality, and evil, under any circumstances.

HuffPost

While money may not cause evil in all circumstances, it certainly can sway some people toward the path of corruption and bad behavior.

Huffington Post

According to the diocese, the Catholic Church says the medical procedure - which involves mixing eggs and sperm and transferring the resulting embryo into the womb - is an intrinsic evil that no circumstances can justify.

Huffington Post

When Bush entered office, he broke off talks with North Korea, denounced its leader, Kim Jong Il, as a "pygmy" whom he loathed and included the country in his "axis of evil". Under such circumstances, it's understandable that the isolated and paranoid North Koreans might worry that they are the next target of U.S. military intervention.

Los Angeles Times

When the evil emerges from circumstance (in "Medea") or character (in "Gaggle"), it's disturbing and calls up basic questions of morality and human resilience.

The New York Times - Arts

9. We admit, then, a Necessity in all that is brought about by this compromise between evil and accidental circumstance: what room was there for anything else than the thing that is?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But the fact that the flooding might have been a good policy (or at least the lesser of the available evils under tragic circumstances) does not mean there was no taking.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "evil circumstances", ensure the context clearly establishes the morally reprehensible or deeply harmful nature of the situation. Avoid overuse to maintain impact.

Common error

Avoid using "evil circumstances" in contexts where the situation is merely difficult or unpleasant, but not genuinely malicious or harmful. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evil circumstances" functions as a noun phrase, where 'evil' acts as an adjective modifying 'circumstances'. It describes conditions marked by profound immorality, harm, or injustice. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes distasteful, harmful, or dangerous situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "evil circumstances" is a phrase used to describe situations marked by significant harm, injustice, or moral corruption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English, highlighting its function as a descriptor for distasteful, harmful, or dangerous conditions. While suitable for formal contexts, it should be used judiciously to maintain its impact, avoiding overuse in less severe situations. Related phrases, such as "dire straits" or "adverse situations", can offer alternative ways to express challenging scenarios with varying degrees of emphasis on specific aspects. Ultimately, the choice of phrase depends on the precise nuance the writer intends to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally compromising situations

Directly addresses the ethical dilemmas and difficult choices involved.

dire straits

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the difficult situation.

unfavorable conditions

Focuses on the lack of positive or supportive elements in the situation.

adverse situations

Highlights the opposition and resistance presented by the circumstances.

challenging times

Emphasizes the difficulty and demands placed on individuals during the period.

difficult predicaments

Highlights the complexity and lack of easy solutions in the situations.

precarious situations

Highlights the instability and risk of negative consequences.

times of great hardship

Focuses on the suffering and deprivation experienced during the period.

negative externalities

Focuses on the negative consequences and unintended side effects of actions or events.

unfortunate events

Emphasizes the bad luck and unfavorable outcomes associated with the circumstances.

FAQs

How can "evil circumstances" be used in a sentence?

You can use "evil circumstances" to describe situations characterized by significant harm, injustice, or moral corruption. For example, "The war created "evil circumstances" that forced many to flee their homes".

What phrases are similar to "evil circumstances"?

Similar phrases include "dire straits", "unfavorable conditions", or "adverse situations". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "evil circumstances" in formal writing?

Yes, "evil circumstances" is appropriate for formal writing when describing situations involving profound harm or moral wrong, but avoid exaggeration. Consider the specific tone and audience of your writing to ensure it aligns.

What distinguishes "evil circumstances" from simply "bad circumstances"?

"Evil circumstances" suggests a moral dimension of wrongfulness or malevolence, going beyond mere misfortune or difficulty. "Bad circumstances" may refer to any unpleasant or challenging situation, whereas "evil circumstances" implies an element of deliberate harm or corruption.