external circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"external circumstances" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to factors outside of someone's control such as weather, economic trends, or any other outside influences. For example, you could say "Due to external circumstances, we had to cancel the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The armed forces are continuing their work, relentlessly and without hesitation, regardless of internal or external circumstances".

Huffington Post

And sometimes, external circumstances dictate the assignment.

The New York Times

Nor are the external circumstances auspicious.

The Economist

Mother-love itself reflects external circumstances.

The Guardian - Books

2. Criticize external circumstances, but then try to change them.

University of California, Berkeley

For the most part, Johnson scants external circumstances in favor of internal states of spirit.

The New York Times - Books

T levels can rise and fall depending on external circumstances -- short term and long term.

The New York Times - Magazine

9. Accept that external circumstances must work in favour of peace, not against it.

The Guardian

While the external circumstances favor Clinton, the preparations for her campaign have been anything but smooth.

The New Yorker

By the early-90s Kent had become increasingly aware that external circumstances were changing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, he also said external circumstances could influence our actions, such as being born into poverty.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "external circumstances" to provide a neutral, objective perspective on events that might otherwise be attributed to personal failings or successes. This can help avoid placing undue blame or praise.

Common error

Don't solely attribute outcomes to "external circumstances". Consider also the role of internal factors such as personal choices, skills, and strategies. A balanced analysis provides a more complete and accurate understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external circumstances" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting factors or conditions that are outside of an individual's or entity's direct control. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used to explain influences on events and decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

17%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "external circumstances" is a noun phrase referring to conditions beyond one's control, used to contextualize and explain events or outcomes. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the balance between external and internal factors to avoid oversimplification. While "external circumstances" offers a neutral perspective, overlooking personal agency can lead to incomplete analyses. Considering related phrases like "situational factors" or "outside factors" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

situational factors

Emphasizes the role of the situation in influencing events.

outside factors

Focuses on the idea that these are influences originating from beyond a specific entity.

prevailing conditions

Indicates the current or dominant circumstances.

environmental conditions

More specific to surroundings or settings affecting a situation.

surrounding influences

Focuses on the impact of elements in proximity.

uncontrollable events

Highlights the lack of control over these occurrences.

extraneous variables

Commonly used in research to describe factors not directly under study.

market conditions

Specifically refers to the economic environment.

economic climate

More restricted to economic aspects affecting outcomes.

objective realities

Emphasizes the factual and independent nature of these conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "external circumstances" to describe factors outside of one's control that influence a situation. For example, "The project's delay was due to unforeseen "external circumstances"".

What are some alternative phrases for "external circumstances"?

Alternatives include "outside factors", "situational factors", or "environmental conditions", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "external circumstances" or "internal circumstances"?

"External circumstances" refers to conditions outside of one's control, while "internal circumstances" refers to conditions within one's control or related to one's internal state. The correct choice depends on the context.

How do "external circumstances" differ from "personal choices"?

"External circumstances" are factors that individuals cannot directly control, such as economic conditions or weather. "Personal choices", on the other hand, are decisions made by individuals that influence their own outcomes.