formal and informal circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal and informal circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations or contexts that vary in formality, such as in communication, events, or behavior. Example: "In both formal and informal circumstances, it is important to maintain a respectful tone."

✓ Grammatically correct

Education

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It will also examine how individuals learn at home, through community projects and formal and informal circumstances.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Programmes operate through formal and informal channels, as the circumstances dictate, and are typically run through partnerships with local communities and civil society groups.

UNICEF

Many of the formal and informal constraints on spending have been tossed aside by choice or circumstance, including budget rules that set spending limits and the bipartisan agreement not to dip into the Social Security surplus.

The New York Times

Some schemes combine formal and informal finance.

The Economist

Docents learn both formal and informal rules.

The New York Times

Formal and informal training methods were used.

Geriatric Nursing

There are both formal and informal components.

Cornell University

It goes back to formal and informal registers.

The Guardian

We also support the team in formal and informal learning.

The Guardian - Tech

Scholars dispute the proper balance between formal and informal organization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Residents could distinguish between formal and informal greenspace.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider whether the distinction between "formal and informal circumstances" is crucial for your audience's understanding. If not, a simpler term like "situations" might suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "formal and informal circumstances" when the context already implies a range of situations. For example, instead of saying "consider both formal and informal circumstances when communicating", simply say "consider the communication context".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal and informal circumstances" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by specifying the conditions or situations under which an action takes place. It often appears in discussions of communication, learning, or regulations, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

29%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal and informal circumstances" is a grammatically correct phrase used to encompass a wide spectrum of situations, from structured to casual. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase appears across diverse contexts like science, news, and academia. When considering usage, be mindful of potential redundancy and ensure the context warrants such a broad distinction. Alternatives such as "official and unofficial settings" or "formal and casual situations" may provide greater clarity or conciseness. Remember to prioritize clear and effective communication tailored to your specific audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official and unofficial settings

Replaces "circumstances" with a synonym, focusing on the environment or location.

formal and casual situations

Substitutes "circumstances" with "situations", highlighting the type of scenario.

structured and unstructured environments

Emphasizes the level of structure present in the context.

official and unofficial occasions

Focuses on events or gatherings that may be either formal or informal.

ceremonial and relaxed contexts

Highlights the degree of ceremony or relaxation in different situations.

regulated and unregulated settings

Emphasizes the presence or absence of rules and regulations.

conventional and unconventional scenarios

Focuses on the degree to which the situation adheres to norms.

prescribed and voluntary environments

Highlights whether participation or behavior is required or optional.

standard and non-standard contexts

Emphasizes the adherence to or deviation from established standards.

established and emergent situations

Highlights whether the situation is pre-existing or newly arising.

FAQs

How can I use "formal and informal circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use "formal and informal circumstances" to describe situations that range from structured and regulated to casual and relaxed. For example, "Effective communication is important in both "formal and informal circumstances"".

What is the difference between "formal and informal circumstances" and "formal and casual situations"?

"Formal and informal circumstances" emphasizes the conditions or state of affairs, while "formal and casual situations" focuses on the scenarios themselves. The difference is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.

Are there situations where using only "circumstances" is better than specifying "formal and informal circumstances"?

Yes, if the formality spectrum is implied, using only "circumstances" can improve brevity and clarity. For instance, instead of "We analyzed the data under formal and informal circumstances", saying "We analyzed the data under various circumstances" might be more efficient.

What phrases are similar to "formal and informal circumstances"?

Similar phrases include "official and unofficial settings", "structured and unstructured environments", and "conventional and unconventional scenarios". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.