in circumstances when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in circumstances when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe specific situations or conditions under which something occurs or is applicable. Example: "In circumstances when the weather is severe, we will postpone the event for safety reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unfortunately, this synergy may kill the victim in circumstances when infection with either disease alone would have been manageable.

The Economist

"They should be fired in circumstances when the use of deadly force would be the only alternative," said Mr. Cox.

The New York Times

If I'm in circumstances when I can't do it I feel nervous, I simply feel like I'm not there".

The Guardian - Arts

Similarly, quantum mechanics must yield the same results as classical mechanics in circumstances when Planck's constant can be considered as negligibly small.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So hundreds of millions of years of natural selection have happened in circumstances when a sudden drop in body weight was almost certainly a very bad thing.

The Economist

The technology that has made these children possible has also challenged inheritance laws, especially in circumstances when a child is conceived after the death of a parent.

The New York Times

It can also be a crime to incite violence in circumstances when there is an imminent threat that violence will take place.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I knew I was suffering from stress because I was teary and ended up crying in circumstances when that wouldn't normally happen".

The Guardian

But Chandler's opinion reads as if this by-law applied in circumstances when CNET was required under Rule 14a-8 to include stockholder nominations in its proxy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Savings come in handy in many circumstances: when buying a home, paying for a child's education, retiring, or in cases of unexpected need.

The Economist

This prior readiness to rely on colleagues in difficult circumstances when in the field, due to their perceived shared understanding, may prove to be a valuable protective factor that can be further supported and extended upon through training.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in circumstances when" to introduce specific conditions or situations where a particular action or outcome is likely to occur. This helps to clarify the context and provide a framework for understanding the relationship between the situation and the result.

Common error

Avoid using "in circumstances when" in simple sentences where a more direct conjunction like "when" or "if" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex and less fluid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in circumstances when" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a conditional clause. It specifies the conditions or situations under which the main clause is applicable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correctly used to set a context for an action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in circumstances when" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to introduce conditional clauses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's effective for specifying situations that affect an outcome. While versatile, be mindful of overuse in simple sentences where a simpler conjunction like "when" or "if" would suffice. The phrase is common across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "in situations where" or "under conditions that" to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under conditions where

Replaces "circumstances" with "conditions", emphasizing the specific requirements or states that must be met.

in situations where

Substitutes "circumstances" with "situations", highlighting the specific scenarios or contexts involved.

in cases where

Replaces "circumstances" with "cases", focusing on instances or occurrences.

when the situation arises that

This phrase emphasizes the occurrence of a specific set of conditions.

in the event that

Emphasizes the possibility of a specific situation occurring, often used in formal contexts.

if the situation allows

Highlights the permissibility granted by a set of conditions, simplifying the expression.

given these conditions

Focuses on specific conditions as a prerequisite, offering a more concise expression.

depending on the situation

Highlights the reliance on the specific conditions that are present.

when confronted with

Highlights the act of facing particular conditions, adding a sense of challenge or interaction.

should the occasion arise

This phrase focuses on the chance of a particular set of circumstances occurring.

FAQs

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

Use "in circumstances when" to introduce a specific condition or situation that affects the outcome of an action. For example, "The project will proceed "in circumstances when" all stakeholders approve the budget".

What are some alternatives to "in circumstances when"?

Alternatives include "in situations where", "under conditions that", or "in cases where". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "in circumstances when" or simply "when"?

"In circumstances when" is more formal and emphasizes specific conditions. Use it when you want to highlight the specific set of conditions affecting an outcome. "When" is simpler and suitable for general conditions. For instance, use "when" for a general condition but "in circumstances when" for a specific, defined set of conditions.

What is the difference between "in circumstances when" and "in circumstances where"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "In circumstances when" emphasizes the temporal aspect of the condition, while "in circumstances where" focuses on the situational aspect. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.