in certain situations

USAGE SUMMARY

"in certain situations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation when something happens or applies only in specific circumstance. For example, "In certain situations it may be necessary to consult a lawyer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Some people feel comfortable in certain situations.

The New York Times - Sports

It could be dangerous in certain situations".

The New York Times - Sports

"We beat ourselves in certain situations.

The New York Times - Sports

I think in certain situations I have shown it.

The Guardian - Sport

It's very hard to hold back in certain situations.

The New York Times

Gratitude, in certain situations, is fraught with danger.

The Guardian - Books

In certain situations, it can cost potentially billions of dollars.

The Guardian

It usually burns low, but increases slightly in certain situations.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You need to be resilient in certain situations".

The Guardian - Sport

But in certain situations, all signs of contentment are encouraging.

The New York Times - Arts

"But it wasn't the best of times in certain situations".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "in certain situations" with more specific wording (e.g. "in emergency cases", "when resources are limited") to enhance precision and readability.

Common error

Avoid using "in certain situations" as a placeholder when you can be more specific. Vague language weakens your argument; provide concrete examples or conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in certain situations" acts as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the conditions under which an action or statement is true. Ludwig examples show it qualifying a wide array of scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in certain situations" is a versatile phrase used to introduce conditionality or exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and common across varied contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. While acceptable in most registers, being specific about the conditions or using alternatives like "under specific circumstances" can enhance clarity. Remember, while the phrase is useful, overuse without specificity weakens your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under specific circumstances

Emphasizes the particular set of conditions that must be present.

in particular cases

Highlights individual instances or examples where something applies.

depending on the situation

Focuses on how the outcome changes based on the context.

given the circumstances

Considers the existing factors that influence a decision or action.

when certain conditions apply

Specifies that something is contingent upon meeting specific requirements.

in some instances

Indicates that the statement is not universally true, but true in some cases.

subject to the context

Highlights that the meaning or applicability is highly reliant on the surrounding information.

where applicable

Indicates that something is only relevant in specific scenarios.

conditional on the setting

Emphasizes that the environment or backdrop is key to the outcome.

if the situation warrants

Suggests that the action is only taken if justified by the current state of affairs.

FAQs

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

You can use "in certain situations" to introduce conditions or exceptions to a general statement. For example, "Flexibility is key, but in certain situations, a strict adherence to protocol is necessary."

What are some alternatives to "in certain situations"?

Alternatives include "under specific circumstances", "in particular cases", or "depending on the situation", each offering a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "in certain situations"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge that a statement is not universally true and that its applicability depends on specific conditions or contexts. Ensure those conditions are either explicitly stated or easily understood from the context.

Is "in certain situations" formal or informal?

The phrase "in certain situations" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider using a more precise and sophisticated alternative.