in a context where

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a context where" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the specific circumstances or conditions surrounding a certain action or situation. For example, "The law requires that employers provide reasonable accommodations for employees in a context where those accommodations are required."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Doing it in a context where you're having fun helps to break down those barriers".

The Guardian

"If he's at all effective, it's only in a context where everyone has been Clintonized".

The New Yorker

Especially in a context where you're told that Africa has no history because of colonialism and all that.

The Guardian

He backed away from this commitment even in a context where he held most of the cards.

The Guardian - Opinion

And all this is in a context where the relentless imagery of blackness is of violence, anger, criminality and poverty.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In a context where we have a lot of evidence that better care costs less, that complicates the argument".

The Guardian

Judgments based on sex and age make Darwinian sense, because people have evolved in a context where these things matter.

The Economist

The shoehorning occurs here in a context where the legal professions' understanding of social media platforms and how they function is questioned by users of those platforms.

The Guardian

The moral of this is not just that placebo treatment works but that it works better in a context where people expect that medicine can perform apparent miracles.

The Guardian - Opinion

Katharine Sacks-Jones, head of policy and campaigns at Crisis, said: "This is happening in a context where rough sleeping has gone up massively.

The Guardian

It seems a strange comment to make in a context where we are surrounded by a lively throng of people who don't look particularly incapable of gathering.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a context where", ensure that the context you are introducing is directly relevant to the point you are making. This helps maintain clarity and avoids unnecessary detours in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in a context where" to introduce extremely general or obvious contexts. For example, avoid saying "in a context where people need to eat" unless you are specifically discussing a situation where this is unusual or particularly relevant. Focus on specific, pertinent contexts instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a context where" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a relative clause. It modifies a preceding clause by specifying the circumstances or conditions under which the action or state described by that clause occurs. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is common across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a context where" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the specific conditions or circumstances surrounding a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and its frequency is very common, appearing in diverse sources like News & Media and Science. While alternatives exist, this phrase is particularly effective for setting a scene or providing essential background information. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that the context you introduce is both relevant and specific to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary vagueness in your writing. The phrase is a handy tool for writers seeking to add depth and understanding to their explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under circumstances where

More formal and emphasizes the surrounding conditions.

given the situation that

Highlights a specific set of circumstances as a premise.

considering the backdrop of

Focuses on the general environment or setting.

within the framework of

Implies a structured or organized setting.

taking into account that

Emphasizes the importance of considering certain factors.

in light of the fact that

Suggests new understanding or realization influencing the situation.

against the background of

Sets the stage by describing the historical or cultural setting.

with due regard to

Implies careful consideration and respect for the circumstances.

considering the conditions of

Highlights specific conditions affecting the outcome.

recognizing that

Acknowledges a specific condition as valid or true.

FAQs

How can I use "in a context where" in a sentence?

Use "in a context where" to introduce the specific circumstances or conditions that are relevant to the point you are making. For example, "This policy is effective "in a context where" resources are limited".

What are some alternatives to "in a context where"?

You can use alternatives like "under circumstances where", "given the situation that", or "considering the backdrop of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes slightly different aspects of the situation.

Is it better to use "in a situation where" or "in a context where"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "in a context where" often implies a broader set of circumstances or background, while "in a situation where" might refer to a more specific and immediate set of conditions. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

How does "in a context where" differ from "because" or "since"?

"In a context where" describes the surrounding circumstances, whereas "because" or "since" directly indicate cause and effect. For example, "The project failed because of poor planning" directly links cause and effect, while "The project failed "in a context where" resources were scarce" provides background information without necessarily implying direct causation.