given the circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"given the circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the existing situation, conditions, or events that have an impact on a decision or situation. For example, you could say "Given the circumstances, we think it's best to take a break from our relationship".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Magazine

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They'll hurry given the circumstances".

The New York Times

Wasteful, given the circumstances.

The Guardian - Sport

But given the circumstances".

The New Yorker

Well, given the circumstances.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Given the circumstances, what were their alternatives?

The New Yorker

His confusion was understandable, given the circumstances.

The New Yorker

But given the circumstances, weren't modifications reasonable?

The New York Times - Magazine

Given the circumstances, it's hard to argue.

The New York Times

Given the circumstances, their reaction was understandable.

The Guardian - Film

He was massively candid, given the circumstances.

The Guardian - Film

Tricky bit of tradecraft, given the circumstances.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "given the circumstances", ensure that the circumstances are clearly defined or understood by the reader. This provides necessary context and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "given the circumstances" as a generic filler. Always ensure it directly relates to the specific situation you're discussing, rather than vaguely alluding to external factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given the circumstances" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase introducing an adverbial clause of reason or explanation. It sets the context for understanding or justifying a particular action, decision, or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given the circumstances" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to provide context and justification for a situation or decision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It serves to explain how prevailing conditions influence outcomes. The phrase is most common in News & Media, Sports and Formal Business contexts. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to clearly define the 'circumstances' you're referencing. Consider alternatives like "considering the situation" or "in light of the situation" for variety. Remember, while suitable for various registers, precise use enhances the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering the situation

Focuses on the specific situation as the primary factor.

in light of the situation

Emphasizes the enlightening aspect of the situation affecting a decision.

under the circumstances

Similar meaning, but puts emphasis on the conditions as being a constraint.

taking into account the context

Highlights the importance of the broader context.

bearing in mind the conditions

Stresses the need to remember the existing conditions.

with the present conditions

Highlights the present conditions as a determining factor.

considering everything

A more general form that takes into account all factors.

all things considered

A formal alternative that weighs all aspects.

in view of the situation

Similar to "in light of", but more formal.

taking the situation into consideration

A more elaborate version of "considering the situation".

FAQs

How can I use "given the circumstances" in a sentence?

Use "given the circumstances" to explain or justify a decision or outcome by referencing the influencing factors. For example, "Given the circumstances, it's understandable why they chose to postpone the event".

What are some alternatives to "given the circumstances"?

You can use alternatives like "considering the situation", "in light of the situation", or "under the circumstances" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "given the circumstance" instead of "given the circumstances"?

While "circumstance" refers to a single factor, "circumstances" usually describes a collection of conditions. "Given the circumstances" is generally preferred because situations often involve multiple influencing factors.

What's the difference between "given the circumstances" and "in spite of the circumstances"?

"Given the circumstances" indicates that something is a logical result of the conditions, while "in spite of the circumstances" implies something happened despite difficult conditions. They convey opposite meanings.