extreme circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extreme circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations that are severe, unusual, or beyond the normal range of experiences. Example: "In extreme circumstances, we may need to alter our plans to ensure everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Extreme circumstances call for extreme measures.

The New York Times

Under extreme circumstances, radical solutions have to be considered.

The New York Times

And they all have interesting characters, often in extreme circumstances.

Independent

In extreme circumstances, power grids may go down, too.

The Economist

In extreme circumstances, they could still be decisive.

The Guardian - Opinion

In extreme circumstances Big Game Golf can be dangerous.

The Guardian - Travel

In extreme circumstances they might even consider playing all three.

The Guardian - Sport

Less than that requires extreme circumstances in my view.

Princeton University

In extreme circumstances this, of course, doesn't work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Only in extreme circumstances are people left without proper burial.

The Guardian - Books

Naturally, it says it will use the enemy-combatant designation only in extreme circumstances.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extreme circumstances", ensure the context clearly establishes the severity or unusual nature of the situation being described. Avoid using it for commonplace events.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme circumstances" to describe everyday challenges or minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that are genuinely exceptional or critical to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme circumstances" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by the adjective "extreme". It is used to identify and categorize situations that are far from ordinary, often implying a sense of urgency or criticality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes severe and unusual events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extreme circumstances" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe situations that are significantly beyond the norm. As Ludwig AI explains, its main purpose is to emphasize the severity or unusual nature of an event, justifying specific actions or outcomes. While versatile enough for both formal and informal communication, overuse in mild situations should be avoided to maintain its impact. Common contexts include news, science, and business, as supported by numerous examples. Alternatives such as "exceptional circumstances" or "critical conditions" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional circumstances

Focuses on the rarity and deviation from the standard situation.

extraordinary situations

Emphasizes the unusual and remarkable nature of the situation.

critical conditions

Underlines the importance and potential danger of the situation.

dire straits

Highlights the severity and distress involved in the situation.

unforeseen events

Stresses the unexpected and unplanned nature of the situation.

radical scenarios

Implies a significant departure from the typical or expected course of events.

unusual incidents

Highlights the divergence from normality and everyday occurrences.

severe trials

Focuses on the challenging and difficult aspect of the situation.

exigent conditions

Emphasizes the pressing and urgent nature of the situation.

adverse events

Highlights the negative and unfavorable nature of the circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "extreme circumstances" to describe situations that are severe, unusual, or beyond the normal range of experiences. For example, "In "extreme circumstances", the company may need to lay off employees."

What are some alternatives to "extreme circumstances"?

Some alternatives to "extreme circumstances" include "exceptional circumstances", "extraordinary situations", or "critical conditions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "extreme circumstances" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing serious or unusual situations. However, ensure that its use is justified and not an exaggeration of the actual situation.

What distinguishes "extreme circumstances" from "difficult situations"?

"Extreme circumstances" implies a higher degree of severity, rarity, or urgency compared to "difficult situations". The former suggests a situation that is far from the norm, while the latter can refer to everyday challenges.