existing circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existing circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the current situation or conditions that are present at a given time. Example: "Given the existing circumstances, we must adapt our strategy to ensure success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"A trial in Iraq under existing circumstances is neither transparent nor public".

The New York Times

(ii) By other ward personnel as frequently as is reasonable under existing circumstances.

Cornell University

Before each stage begins, the cabinet must decide whether to approve it, based on existing circumstances.

The Washington Post

And it is hardly necessary to spell out the reasons why any Iranian leadership would be concerned with deterrence, under existing circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

But under existing circumstances, the tribes who have long been the staunchest forest guardians are losing land, culture and the will to resist.

The Guardian

If under existing circumstances there ever can be any, it must come about through a chain of unpredictable events making its occurrence a mere matter of speculation.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Consider the existing circumstance as a nightmare that you can design a new ending for.

Huffington Post

There was "no existing circumstance that required immediate arrest," Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin said at the time, and Gianforte was not a threat to public safety or flight risk.

Huffington Post

However, their symptoms are perpetuated by existing social circumstances and worry concerning the future.

BMC Health Services Research

However, not all problems in life can be mastered, but the problems can often be managed, that is, people can learn to accept and live with existing troubling circumstances.

BMJ Open

Thus, the record reveals that the Board undertook an adequate "decisionmaking process". Turning to the reasonableness of the Board's actions in light of the then-existing circumstances, the Board anticipated a decline in the number of off-lease vehicles in 2011-12, and it appears, quite logically, to have wanted to sell OPENLANE before that decline had a material impact.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "existing circumstances" to provide context before explaining a decision or action. This helps the audience understand the rationale behind your choices.

Common error

While "existing circumstances" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "current situation" or "present conditions" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existing circumstances" functions as a noun phrase that provides context or background information. It often serves to qualify a statement or decision, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existing circumstances" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that refers to the current state of affairs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "current situation" or "present conditions" to enhance readability. The phrase serves to provide context, justify decisions, and frame discussions by grounding them in the prevailing conditions. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "existing circumstances" to convey clear and well-supported information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current situation

Replaces "circumstances" with a more general term, focusing on the overall state.

present conditions

Emphasizes the conditions that are currently in effect.

under the circumstances

A more concise way to refer to the existing situation.

prevailing environment

Highlights the surrounding conditions or atmosphere.

actual state of affairs

Focuses on the reality of the situation.

in the current climate

Emphasizes the emotional or political atmosphere.

status quo

Refers to the existing state without implying change.

given context

Emphasizes the framework within which something is considered.

current realities

Highlights the practical aspects of the current state.

as things stand

Indicates the situation at the present moment.

FAQs

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

You can use "existing circumstances" to set the stage for an explanation or decision. For example: "Given the "existing circumstances", we had to make a difficult choice."

What are some alternatives to "existing circumstances"?

Some alternatives include "current situation", "present conditions", or "prevailing environment", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "existing circumstances" or "current circumstances"?

Both "existing circumstances" and "current circumstances" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

How do "existing circumstances" differ from "future circumstances"?

"Existing circumstances" refer to the present state, while "future circumstances" involve speculation about potential conditions. Understanding the distinction helps clarify the timeframe of your discussion.