in what situation

USAGE SUMMARY

"in what situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking for clarification or an explanation of a particular context. For example, "Can you explain why you acted that way? In what situation were you?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Just as creepy depending on what face you're putting in what situation.

TechCrunch

In what situation?

The Guardian

In what situation would I ever be required to run 50km?

The Guardian - Opinion

"By then, everyone will put their cards on the table, so that you know who is positioned in what situation".

The New York Times

I knew what proportion of Malay or Mandarin or colloquial English to use, and in what situation, knew when to swear in Cantonese, knew when to be correct, when to be urban-cool, when to be country-direct.

The New Yorker

Any book about resume preparation can tell you about the different styles and in what situation they might be used.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In what situations are each used?

The New York Times

In what situations might these measurements prove to be useful?

The New York Times

Alternatively, write a reflection essay on whether or not you think gossip should be repeated at all and in what situations".

The New York Times

The meeting, chaired by a German diplomat, Michael Biontino, has also been asked to discuss questions such as: in what situations are distinctively human traits, such as fear, hate, sense of honour and dignity, compassion and love desirable in combat?, and in what situations do machines lacking emotions offer distinct advantages over human combatants?

The Guardian

Gómez Bastida said in an interview on the Spanish radio network Cadena SER: "It is necessary to know in what frame and in what situations it [the IV drip] occurred.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in what situation", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify the situation you're referring to, either before or after the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "in what situation" without a clear reference point. Ensure it's evident what specific scenario you're asking about to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in what situation" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase. It introduces a question that seeks to identify or specify the circumstances under which something occurs or is applicable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in what situation" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to inquire about specific circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in various contexts, predominantly in news, science, and general discussions. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide a clear reference point to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "under what circumstances" can be used for a more formal tone. While the phrase is typically neutral, understanding its frequency and context helps ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under what circumstances

Focuses on the specific set of conditions that influence an event, often implying a more formal or critical analysis.

depending on the circumstances

Indicates that the outcome or action is contingent on the prevailing conditions.

in which case

Suggests a conditional scenario where a specific action or outcome is dependent on a preceding event or circumstance.

given what conditions

Emphasizes the acceptance of certain conditions as a starting point for understanding subsequent events.

subject to what conditions

Highlights that some outcome is depending on specific constraints and limits.

relative to the scenario

Focuses to a determined context, as opposed to a generalization.

considering the context

Highlights the importance of the surrounding environment and background in understanding a situation.

taking into account the situation

Implies a deliberate consideration of all relevant factors before making a judgment or decision.

with regard to the context

Directs the attention to the framework or environment that is essential for understand an outcome.

under what terms

Focuses more on the formal or agreed-upon conditions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "in what situation" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, you can use alternatives such as "under what circumstances" or "in which case", which convey a similar meaning with greater sophistication.

What's the difference between "in what situation" and "in what context"?

"In what situation" typically refers to a specific set of circumstances or events, while "in what context" refers to the broader environment or background that gives meaning to those circumstances. The former is more about the event itself, the latter about the setting.

Is it correct to use "in what situations" instead of "in what situation"?

Yes, "in what situations" is the plural form and is appropriate when referring to multiple scenarios. Use "in what situation" when referring to a single, specific scenario.

What are some common phrases similar to "depending on the circumstances"?

Similar phrases include "depending on the circumstances", "subject to what conditions", and "given what conditions". These alternatives highlight the conditional nature of an action or outcome based on external factors.