in specific situations

USAGE SUMMARY

"in specific situations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that is related to a particular context, or when you are talking about a particular set of circumstances. For example: "In specific situations, I may need to call in extra help to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

General tendencies may not be borne out in specific situations.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Favre had said he hoped to have an opportunity to work in specific situations, like the two-minute drill.

The New York Times

These little books provide lists of things you might see in specific situations (I-Spy vintage cars, I-Spy London).

The Guardian - Books

In specific situations of interest the threshold values may exceed unity.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Umenyiora is a rarity in an age when defensive linemen are often used in specific situations.

The New York Times - Sports

Put differently, social behaviour conforms to norms, values, and rules that direct behaviour in specific situations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The data presented in Table 1 suggest that subjects intentionally ignore information regarding reputations in specific situations.

Nature

The stated function of the courts is the authoritative adjudication of controversies over the application of laws in specific situations.

Britannica

Judiciary, branch of government whose task is the authoritative adjudication of controversies over the application of laws in specific situations.

Britannica

The most frequent answer was "only in specific situations" (45%).

Annals of Intensive Care

Just working smarter won't cut it, except in specific situations," she explains.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in specific situations", ensure the context clearly defines what those specific situations are to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "It is acceptable in specific situations", specify which situations you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "in specific situations" as a vague placeholder. If you can't define the specific situations, it's better to be more general or to clarify which situation you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in specific situations" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to provide context or condition. It indicates that the action or characteristic being described is limited to certain circumstances. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase modifying verbs like "used", "applies", and "fails".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in specific situations" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to qualify statements and set boundaries on their applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse domains such as science, news, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount; ensure the specific situations are well-defined to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "in particular instances" or "under certain circumstances" may offer nuanced variations in meaning. Keep in mind the register is neutral. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately incorporate "in specific situations" into your writing, enhancing precision and avoiding potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in particular instances

Focuses on individual occurrences rather than general scenarios.

under certain circumstances

Emphasizes the conditions that trigger a particular outcome.

in select cases

Highlights the idea that only a few cases apply.

when applicable

Indicates that something is only relevant in certain situations.

on occasion

Implies that something happens sporadically or infrequently.

where relevant

Emphasizes the pertinence of something in a particular setting.

depending on the context

Highlights the influence of the surrounding information.

subject to conditions

Suggests that something is contingent on meeting certain requirements.

in exceptional circumstances

Focuses on situations that deviate from the norm.

for limited purposes

Indicates that something is restricted to certain uses.

FAQs

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

Use "in specific situations" to refer to particular contexts or conditions where something applies. For example, "This rule is only applicable in specific situations, such as emergencies".

What are some alternatives to "in specific situations"?

You can use alternatives like "in particular instances", "under certain circumstances", or "depending on the context".

Is it better to be specific rather than using "in specific situations"?

While "in specific situations" is grammatically correct, being more specific can often improve clarity. Instead of saying "It's helpful in specific situations", consider detailing the exact scenarios where it's beneficial.

What's the difference between "in specific situations" and "in general"?

"In specific situations" refers to particular, defined contexts, whereas "in general" refers to broad, overall trends or rules. They are essentially opposites; using one excludes the other.