it is circumstantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is circumstantial" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or condition that is dependent on specific circumstances or context. Example: "The decision to proceed with the project is circumstantial, depending on the funding we receive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It is circumstantial".

The New York Times

Though he says he was referring to the banquet, prosecutors say it is circumstantial evidence of a plot.

The New York Times

While Rose has stunning numbers - he averages 25 points and 7.9 assists a game - his case for M.V.P. is not statistical as much as it is circumstantial.

The New York Times

Most of it is circumstantial.

SEP

A lot of it is circumstantial, but that is OK".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's circumstantial".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some of it's circumstantial.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a frame of mind, a state of mind, it's circumstantial".

The Guardian - Music

In its research paper, the IRR said there was evidence that police, prosecutors and courts did not take into account a racial motive – particularly if it was circumstantial and not necessarily the primary cause of the crime.

Independent

While optimism is rising on reports of a recovering economy, "there isn't a whole host of robust proof," said Ed Tonnessen, executive vice president at Albert B. Ashforth Inc. "It's circumstantial, in people's bones".

The New York Times

It's circumstantial evidence, though: The planets apparently stir up the rocky asteroid belt of the system, and as a result, the white dwarf's outer layers become "polluted" with asteroid dust, which in turn is detectable with sensitive spectroscopes.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is circumstantial", ensure the context clearly indicates what circumstances are being referred to, to avoid ambiguity. Use it to present facts and information in an objective way.

Common error

Avoid presenting something as definitively true solely because "it is circumstantial". Always acknowledge the possibility of alternative explanations or interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is circumstantial" functions as an adjective phrase that qualifies a situation or evidence, indicating its reliance on specific circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase indicates that something is not definitive but dependent on the surrounding context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is circumstantial" is used to describe situations or evidence that depend on specific circumstances and aren't definitively proven. Ludwig AI confirms that "it is circumstantial" is a correct and usable phrase in English. It commonly appears in news, media, and scientific contexts, and carries a neutral register. To avoid misuse, always clarify which circumstances are relevant when employing this phrase. Some alternatives include "it is conditional", or "it is dependent on circumstances". Although not frequently used, this phrase is valuable for expressing contingency and reliance on specific contextual factors in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is conditional

This alternative emphasizes the dependence on specific conditions being met.

it is dependent on circumstances

This explicitly states that the subject relies on the surrounding situation.

it is subject to context

This highlights the influence of the context on the situation.

it relies on indirect evidence

This specifies that the conclusion is based on suggestive but not definitive proof.

it is inferred

This means that the conclusion is drawn from reasoning rather than direct observation.

it is based on speculation

This suggests the conclusion is grounded in conjecture.

it is presumptive

This implies the conclusion is assumed based on available information.

it is suggestive

This means that the evidence hints at a conclusion without proving it definitively.

it is inconclusive

This indicates that the evidence does not lead to a clear or certain conclusion.

it hinges on the situation

This emphasizes that the outcome is entirely determined by the circumstances.

FAQs

What does "it is circumstantial" mean?

The phrase "it is circumstantial" means that something depends on the specific circumstances or context. It suggests that the evidence or situation is not definitive and can change based on different factors.

How can I use "it is circumstantial" in a sentence?

You can use "it is circumstantial" to describe situations where the outcome depends on specific conditions. For example: "The success of the project "it is conditional" on securing funding."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is circumstantial"?

Some alternatives to "it is circumstantial" include "it is conditional", "it is dependent on circumstances", or "it relies on indirect evidence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In legal terms, what does it mean when evidence is described as circumstantial?

In legal terms, when evidence is described as circumstantial, it means that the evidence indirectly proves a fact. Unlike direct evidence, it requires inference to connect it to the conclusion. While not direct proof, "it relies on indirect evidence" and can be compelling when multiple pieces of circumstantial evidence converge.