in difficult circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

'in difficult circumstances' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is challenging or not ideal. For example: "Despite working in difficult circumstances, the team managed to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We come in difficult circumstances".

The Guardian

Still, he did able work in difficult circumstances.

The New York Times - Arts

Last year the NHS managed well in difficult circumstances.

The Times

Or maybe she's just doing her best in difficult circumstances.

The Guardian

"People are hanging on in difficult circumstances," he said.

The New York Times

The West Bank economy has grown in difficult circumstances.

The New York Times

Agencies and newspapers are now in difficult circumstances.

The New York Times

"We are doing the best we can in difficult circumstances...

The Washington Post

"They have done incredibly good diplomacy, in difficult circumstances," he said.

The Guardian

We are simply doing what is necessary, in difficult circumstances, to keep our citizens safe".

The Guardian

Nor did they make a mess of things in difficult circumstances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in difficult circumstances" to convey resilience or perseverance in the face of adversity. For example, "Despite working "in difficult circumstances", the team achieved its goals."

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences passively when describing actions performed "in difficult circumstances". Instead of "Mistakes were made "in difficult circumstances"", try "They made mistakes "in difficult circumstances"", which is more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in difficult circumstances" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the conditions under which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples show it describes how tasks are managed, decisions are made, or people behave.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in difficult circumstances" is a versatile and widely used adverbial phrase that adds context to a situation, often highlighting challenges and resilience. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in many formal and informal contexts. Its frequency, as shown by the examples, is very common, especially in news and media. When writing, consider using it to explain an action or outcome that was achieved despite adversity. Remember to use active voice, ensuring clarity and impact. Alternative phrases like "in challenging situations" or "under trying conditions" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in challenging situations

Replaces "circumstances" with "situations", emphasizing the problematic nature of the context.

under trying conditions

Focuses on the "conditions" being the source of the difficulty, rather than the broader "circumstances".

in adverse conditions

Highlights the negative and unfavorable nature of the "conditions".

in tough situations

Uses "tough" for a more informal tone than "difficult".

under pressure

Focuses more on the stress and demands experienced.

against the odds

Implies a struggle against unfavorable chances or probabilities.

in a bind

Suggests a restrictive or trapping situation.

in dire straits

Indicates a very serious or desperate situation.

in hot water

Refers to being in trouble or facing punishment.

between a rock and a hard place

Highlights the dilemma of choosing between two equally unpleasant options.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "in difficult circumstances"?

Alternatives include "in challenging situations", "under trying conditions", or "in adverse conditions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use it to describe a situation where someone is facing challenges. For example: "The doctor performed the surgery "in difficult circumstances" due to limited resources."

Is it better to say "in difficult circumstances" or "under difficult circumstances"?

Both are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "in difficult circumstances" is slightly more common, although "under difficult circumstances" is also perfectly acceptable.

What is the difference between "in difficult circumstances" and "in difficult conditions"?

"In difficult circumstances" refers to the overall situation, while "in difficult conditions" often refers to specific factors like weather or resource limitations. While similar, "circumstances" is broader than "conditions".