hard circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard circumstances" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "John had to work hard to survive the hard circumstances of growing up in poverty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Many have an almost Panglossian view of the city – optimistic and determined despite the hard circumstances.

The Guardian

There was no soppy professing of undying love or magical journeys; it was just teenagers being teenagers in hard circumstances.

The Guardian

He was moved by the patience and endurance of these Chinese, their calmness, their acceptance of their hard circumstances, the many signs of their industry, frugality, and aspiration.

The New Yorker

But the movie's power and coherence are such that you forget completely about the hard circumstances of its making, which is nothing short of astonishing.

The New York Times

They were doing important work in hard circumstances, protected by the thin but strong veil of safety provided by their name.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has been a throwback with a liberal streak — a non-reactionary old-school director whose characters display hard responses to hard circumstances that themselves suggest a world of cruel indifference and reparable woes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

While few would argue this point, many fear that the warnings of the Task Force "that its recommendations are in no way meant as a substitute for additional funding" will be taken by spending averse politicians as just that, making a hard road for kids handed hard circumstance even more difficult.

Huffington Post

They work incredibly hard in tough circumstances.

The New York Times

Sharon Heal, director of the MA, said many museums had worked "incredibly hard in difficult circumstances" to increase their earned income.

The Guardian

Day in and day out in 2013, people will be working hard in difficult circumstances to provide care and support for children, young people and adults that is compassionate, respectful and caring.

The Guardian

Roshni is an organised chaos with people working hard in difficult circumstances to give children and young adults an education, social skills, functional ability, self esteem and a chance of independence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about overcoming adversity, use "hard circumstances" to add a layer of complexity, suggesting a combination of difficult external factors and personal challenges.

Common error

While "hard circumstances" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "socioeconomic challenges" or "environmental constraints" for enhanced clarity and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard circumstances" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "hard" modifies the noun "circumstances". It describes a situation or set of conditions that are difficult or challenging. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is widely used and considered correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard circumstances" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe challenging or difficult situations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely accepted in English writing and speech. It serves to highlight hardship, elicit empathy, or explain actions taken under duress. While generally neutral in register, using more specific terms might be preferable in formal contexts. Related phrases include ""difficult situation"" and "tough conditions". Effective use of this phrase involves understanding the context and choosing the most appropriate term for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult situation

Focuses on the general difficulty of a situation, omitting the specific nuance of 'circumstances'.

tough conditions

Highlights the harshness of the environment or external factors.

adverse situation

Emphasizes the negative or unfavorable nature of the situation.

challenging conditions

Underscores the demanding nature of the situation, requiring effort to overcome.

unfavorable circumstances

Specifically points out that the circumstances are not conducive to success or well-being.

dire straits

Suggests a more extreme and urgent level of difficulty or danger.

precarious position

Emphasizes the instability and risk associated with the situation.

grim reality

Focuses on the unpleasant or depressing truth of the situation.

testing times

Highlights the idea that the situation is a trial or challenge that reveals one's strength.

troubled state

Emphasizes a state of distress, difficulty, or disorder.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard circumstances" to describe difficult or challenging situations. For example, "Despite the "difficult situation", she persevered", or "He overcame "challenging conditions" to achieve success".

What are some alternatives to "hard circumstances"?

Some alternatives include ""difficult situation"", "tough conditions", "adverse situation", or ""challenging conditions"", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "hard circumstances" or "difficult circumstances"?

"Hard circumstances" and "difficult circumstances" are often interchangeable, but "hard" may imply a greater degree of severity or resilience required. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intensity of the situation you're describing.

What's the difference between "hard circumstances" and "harsh realities"?

"Hard circumstances" refers to specific challenging conditions or situations, while "harsh realities" refers to the unpleasant or grim aspects of life or a particular situation. "Hard circumstances" is more specific, while "harsh realities" is more general and philosophical.