extraordinary situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extraordinary situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a circumstance that is unusual, remarkable, or out of the ordinary. Example: "In light of the extraordinary situation we are facing, we must adapt our strategies to ensure success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an extraordinary situation".

The New York Times

Possession, Paprocki says, is an extraordinary situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Extraordinary language from MPs struggling to describe an extraordinary situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is the most extraordinary situation I've ever seen".

The New York Times

An "extraordinary situation" demands "extraordinary measures", Ms Merkel explained.She was right the second time.

The Economist

The shrinking government is a normal response to an extraordinary situation.

The New York Times

She called the economic stimulus package an "extraordinary response" necessitated by "an extraordinary situation".

The New York Times

In these he was an ordinary man in an extraordinary situation.

Columbia University

DRC faces the extraordinary situation of an election allegedly rigged in favour of the opposition.

The Guardian

They simply encountered an extraordinary situation" — namely, the national home-value bust — that put them underwater.

The Washington Post

His premise was simple: "An extraordinary request for an extraordinary situation".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing it with "unprecedented event" if you want to emphasize the novelty of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "extraordinary situation" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact; instead, vary your language by using alternative expressions like "remarkable circumstance" or "exceptional case" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraordinary situation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "extraordinary" serving as an adjective modifying the noun "situation". According to Ludwig, it is commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extraordinary situation" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that describes an exceptional or unusual state of affairs. It is versatile, appearing in both formal and informal contexts, with a strong presence in news and media, and academic writing. As affirmed by Ludwig, the phrase serves to emphasize the distinctiveness of a situation. While effective, overuse should be avoided by utilizing related alternatives like "remarkable circumstance" or "unprecedented event". Its consistent usage and clear meaning make it a valuable expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable circumstance

Replaces "situation" with "circumstance", implying a specific set of conditions with notable qualities.

unprecedented event

Highlights the novelty and lack of prior occurrence of the situation.

exceptional case

Focuses on the situation being an outlier or deviation from the norm.

peculiar state of affairs

Emphasizes the odd or unusual nature of the situation.

singular occurrence

Underscores the uniqueness and infrequency of the situation.

uncommon predicament

Highlights the challenging and unusual nature of the circumstances.

rare instance

Focuses on the infrequency and limited occurrence of the situation.

abnormal condition

Stresses the deviation from what is considered normal or typical.

unusual development

Implies the situation is an unexpected or atypical unfolding of events.

noteworthy juncture

Highlights the importance and significance of the specific point in time.

FAQs

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

You can use "extraordinary situation" to describe any event or circumstance that is unusual or exceptional. For example: "The pandemic created an "extraordinary situation" for businesses worldwide."

What can I say instead of "extraordinary situation"?

You can use alternatives like "remarkable circumstance", "unprecedented event", or "exceptional case" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very extraordinary situation"?

Yes, saying "very extraordinary situation" can be redundant because "extraordinary" already implies something beyond the ordinary. It's best to stick with ""extraordinary situation"".

What's the difference between "unusual situation" and "extraordinary situation"?

"Unusual situation" refers to something uncommon or not typical, while ""extraordinary situation"" suggests something far beyond the ordinary, often implying significance or impact.