in emergencies

USAGE SUMMARY

"in emergencies" is a common phrase used in written English, and it can be used when discussing a situation that is urgent or critical.
For example, "In emergencies, it is important to remain calm and follow all safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You were terrible in emergencies.

The New Yorker

Mobile devices save critical time in emergencies.

The New York Times

In emergencies, cellphones may be used.

The New York Times - Sports

Facebook is invaluable in emergencies.

The Guardian

"Crucially, providing education in emergencies sustains progress.

The Guardian

OUT Canned beans (except in emergencies).

The New York Times - Food

Journal for Education in Emergencies 3(1).

Columbia University

But there are ways to protect children in emergencies.

The Guardian

But in emergencies, the utilities could override customers' wishes.

The New York Times

And in emergencies, hotel rooms are considered vital.

The New York Times

"Everything from health through to education and aid in emergencies.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in emergencies", be specific about the type of emergency you are referring to. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "in emergencies" when the situation does not genuinely warrant such a description. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in emergencies" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when certain actions or conditions apply. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in emergencies" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to specify when particular actions or conditions apply, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, from news reports and formal business documents to scientific publications. When using "in emergencies", ensure you are clearly referring to urgent or critical situations to maintain clarity and impact. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in non-emergency contexts, as it can dilute its significance. Alternatives like "in crisis situations" or "in urgent circumstances" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in critical situations

Emphasizes the critical nature of the circumstances, suggesting high risk or importance.

in crisis situations

Focuses specifically on crisis scenarios, implying a more severe or unstable state than general emergencies.

in urgent circumstances

Highlights the urgency aspect, suitable when time is a critical factor.

when disaster strikes

Specifically refers to situations of disaster, implying widespread damage or loss.

when there's a crisis

A more conversational way to express a similar idea, using simpler vocabulary.

in contingency cases

More formal and technical, referring to pre-planned responses for unexpected events.

if something goes wrong

A broad, less formal alternative that covers a range of potential problems.

in dire straits

Emphasizes the severity and desperation of the situation.

under duress

Highlights the element of coercion or pressure, implying a lack of free will.

when push comes to shove

An idiomatic expression indicating a moment of decisive action or conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "in emergencies" in a sentence?

You can use "in emergencies" to describe actions, protocols, or resources that are specifically intended for urgent or critical situations. For example, "In emergencies, always follow the evacuation plan."

What are some alternatives to saying "in emergencies"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in crisis situations", "in urgent circumstances", or "when disaster strikes".

Is it redundant to say "in emergency situations"?

While not strictly incorrect, "in emergency situations" can be seen as somewhat redundant because "emergencies" already implies a situation. "In emergencies" is generally more concise.

What is the difference between "in emergencies" and "during an emergency"?

"In emergencies" refers to general procedures or states of readiness, while "during an emergency" refers to specific actions or events happening at a particular time. For instance, "In emergencies, prioritize safety," versus "During an emergency, she remained calm."