in a situation in which

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a situation in which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a modifying clause that specifies the context of a situation. For example, "We must try to remain calm in a situation in which emotions can run high."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a situation in which there are no good choices, that's not a bad thing.

The New Yorker

They won in a situation in which other Capitals teams have folded.

The Washington Post

I was put in a situation in which, fortunately, I'd never been before.

The Guardian - Sport

In a situation in which one religion predominates, such social learning pervades the entire society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a situation in which he might otherwise be vulnerable and cornered, he was strong and clear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"De facto we are in a situation in which an active, visible minority has taken the majority hostage.

The New York Times

Now, we are in a situation in which we have the contacts and knowledge, but we have no ceasefire.

The Guardian

That is not onerous in a situation in which no one thinks Syria is about to invade us.

The New Yorker

An expert defender failed in a situation in which anyone's grandmother, or grandfather, would have been likely to succeed.

The New York Times - Arts

"But clearly, their absence will result in a situation in which we're the victims of unplanned growth.

The New York Times

I think it's wrong to persist in a situation in which many families go broke because one of them gets sick, or they go without adequate medical care.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a situation in which", ensure that the clause following 'which' provides necessary and specific details about the situation. Avoid vague or redundant descriptions.

Common error

While "in a situation in which" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and stilted. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a situation in which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing an adverbial clause of condition or circumstance. It sets the context for the main clause, specifying the conditions under which the action or state described in the main clause occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a situation in which" is a versatile phrase used to introduce context and specify conditions, as verified by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, it maintains a neutral to formal register. To enhance your writing, consider varying sentence structure to avoid overuse and ensure that the following clause provides specific details. Remember, clarity and precision are key when employing this phrase. Ludwig provides numerous examples to illustrate its correct usage in a variety of contexts. The phrase is very common, has an expert rating of 4.6 and is grammatically correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under circumstances where

This alternative suggests a formal or official tone and emphasizes the specific conditions at hand.

in a case where

This option is suitable for legal or formal contexts, focusing on a specific instance or event.

when faced with

This phrase emphasizes the act of confronting a particular set of conditions.

given the circumstances of

This alternative places emphasis on the existing conditions as the reason for a subsequent action or situation.

considering the conditions

This highlights the act of taking the existing conditions into account.

in light of the fact that

This suggests that a new understanding or awareness influences the subsequent action or decision.

taking into account that

This stresses that certain factors are being considered before making a judgment or decision.

under the proviso that

This phrase introduces a condition or stipulation that must be met.

assuming that

This presents a scenario that is based on an assumption.

conditional on

This indicates dependence on a specific event or condition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "in a situation in which" for variety?

You can use alternatives such as "under circumstances where", "in a case where", or "when faced with" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "in a situation that" instead of "in a situation in which"?

While both are grammatically correct, "in a situation in which" often provides a more formal and precise connection between the situation and the subsequent clause. "In a situation that" may sometimes be more concise but can lack the same level of specificity.

When is it appropriate to use "in a situation in which"?

"In a situation in which" is appropriate when you want to clearly define and emphasize the specific conditions or circumstances relevant to your statement. It's particularly useful in formal writing or when precision is important.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "in a situation in which"?

Avoid overuse to prevent repetitive writing. Also, ensure the clause following "which" provides specific and necessary details about the situation, avoiding vague or redundant descriptions. Be sure to check the flow to prevent the sentence to appear stilted or forced.