in certain circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"in certain circumstances" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to specific situations that require particular conditions. For example: "In certain circumstances, a student may be eligible for an academic scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In certain circumstances".

The Guardian - Music

It's beneficial in certain circumstances.

The Guardian

For it in certain circumstances.

The New York Times

Maybe, she concedes, in certain circumstances.

The Guardian

In certain circumstances travel is unavoidable.

The Guardian

In certain circumstances the c-word is acceptable, and in certain circumstances it is not.

The Guardian

In certain circumstances, people can be involuntarily quarantined.

The New York Times

Using these measures makes sense in certain circumstances, researchers say.

The New York Times

And in certain circumstances, Taser is that option".

The Guardian

It simply makes abortion lawful in certain circumstances.

The Guardian

Of course, in certain circumstances bottled water is necessary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in certain circumstances" to introduce a specific scenario or condition that affects the outcome or validity of a statement. This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in certain circumstances" as a filler phrase. Always ensure that the circumstances are either clearly defined or implied by the surrounding context to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in certain circumstances" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the conditions under which an action or event occurs. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in certain circumstances" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce conditionality and contingency into statements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals it is very common in news, media and scientific writing and exhibits a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, be mindful of clarity and ensure the circumstances are either defined or implied by the context. Alternatives such as "under certain conditions" or "depending on the situation" can be used to vary your language, but specificity is always preferred for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under certain conditions

Replaces 'circumstances' with 'conditions', emphasizing specific requirements.

in some instances

Focuses on individual occurrences rather than broader conditions.

depending on the situation

Highlights the influence of the surrounding scenario.

subject to specific conditions

Emphasizes that particular criteria must be met.

when specific criteria are met

Highlights the importance of meeting standards.

given the right parameters

Focuses on precise setting.

in select situations

Emphasizes the choosiness of available situations.

provided certain factors align

Points to the alignment of parameters that affect something.

contingent upon particular events

Draws attention to relevant events.

only when specific prerequisites exist

Points out prerequisites that affect something.

FAQs

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

Use "in certain circumstances" to introduce conditions that affect an outcome. For example, "In certain circumstances, a full refund may be issued."

What are some alternatives to "in certain circumstances"?

You can use alternatives like "under certain conditions", "in some instances", or "depending on the situation depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "in certain circumstances"?

While "in certain circumstances" is acceptable, being specific provides clarity. Instead of saying "In certain circumstances, this is allowed", specify the exact conditions under which it's permitted.

What's the difference between "in certain circumstances" and "in specific circumstances"?

"In certain circumstances" implies that the conditions are somewhat known or understood, while "in specific circumstances" suggests a need for precise definition of those conditions.