extraordinary circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"extraordinary circumstances" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to events or situations that are unusual or unexpected. Example: "The event was cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances, namely a sudden storm that caused power outages and unsafe conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Extraordinary circumstances.

The Guardian

Extraordinary circumstances arise from time to time.

The Economist

He fought through extraordinary circumstances.

The Guardian

723, presented some unusual and extraordinary circumstances.

Harvard University

(c Exceptions based on extraordinary circumstances.

Cornell University

What has caused these extraordinary circumstances?

Stanford University

Can't you see these are extraordinary circumstances?

The Guardian - Film

This performance was done in extraordinary circumstances.

The New York Times - Arts

But pegs could be adjusted in extraordinary circumstances.

The Economist

The first is true only in extraordinary circumstances.

The New York Times

Granted, he was commencing a campaign in extraordinary circumstances.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extraordinary circumstances", clearly define what makes the situation extraordinary to avoid ambiguity. Provide specific details to support your claim and ensure the context is well-understood by your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "extraordinary circumstances" to describe routine inconveniences. Reserve this phrase for genuinely exceptional situations to maintain its impact and credibility. Using it too often dilutes its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraordinary circumstances" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence or following a preposition. It identifies specific situations that are far from ordinary. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extraordinary circumstances" is a commonly used phrase that correctly describes unusual or exceptional situations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that the phrase is most frequently used in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. It serves to justify actions or explain deviations from the norm. While versatile, it's best reserved for truly exceptional cases to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "exceptional situations" or "unusual incidents" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional situations

Replaces "extraordinary" with "exceptional", emphasizing the rarity and deviation from the norm of the situation.

unprecedented situations

Stresses that there is no prior example or occurrence of such circumstances.

atypical conditions

Uses "atypical" to denote deviation from the typical, focusing on the specific conditions present.

special cases

Emphasizes the need for individual consideration due to the uniqueness of the situation.

uncommon events

Substitutes both "extraordinary" and "circumstances", focusing on the infrequency of the occurrences.

rare instances

Highlights the infrequency of the situations occurring.

unusual incidents

Replaces "circumstances" with "incidents", highlighting the event-like nature of the situation.

unforeseen events

Highlights the unexpected nature of the circumstances.

peculiar situations

Suggests that the circumstances are not only unusual but also somewhat strange or odd.

singular events

Focuses on the uniqueness and individuality of the occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "extraordinary circumstances" to describe situations that are unusual or exceptional. For example, "The company invoked force majeure due to "extraordinary circumstances" caused by the pandemic."

What are some alternatives to "extraordinary circumstances"?

Alternatives include "exceptional situations", "unusual incidents", or "atypical conditions", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "extraordinary circumstances" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure the context genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor and provide clear supporting details.

What distinguishes "extraordinary circumstances" from "difficult circumstances"?

"Extraordinary circumstances" implies a situation that is not only difficult but also highly unusual and unexpected. "Difficult circumstances" may refer to challenging situations that are more commonplace. The difference lies in the degree of unusualness and deviation from the norm.