ordinary circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is typical or usual, often in contrast to extraordinary or exceptional situations. Example: "In an ordinary circumstance, we would expect the meeting to start on time without any delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

How to apply to the life of this man that shabby ordinary circumstance — what's the phrase?

The New Yorker

But for such a person to be running for New York mayor is not an ordinary circumstance.

The Guardian - Opinion

She writes about the indiscriminate nature of fate, the complex relationships of marriage and of families, the devastation of disease, the ordinary circumstance of horror.

The New York Times

The art of calculated opacity — of the mere fact of extraordinary people in ordinary circumstance, of bearers of amazing knowledge blankly going about their business — is a modernist trope that dates at least to Albert Camus's "The Stranger".

The New Yorker

This final point suggests, in turn, that from Newton's point of view, colors are not solely perceived, or even perceptible, aspects of physical objects; they can also be conceived of as hidden features of light which cannot be perceived directly under any ordinary circumstance (the physical influence of the prism is required for them to become perceptible).

SEP

Newton seems to be arguing as follows here: since rays of light have colors as basic features, we should regard these colors as qualities or properties of the rays (despite the fact that these properties are imperceptible under any ordinary circumstance); but doing so requires us to think of the rays as bearers of qualities, which is to say, as substances in their own right.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Under ordinary circumstances that seems easy enough.

The New York Times

"These aren't ordinary circumstances".

The New York Times

These, of course, are not ordinary circumstances.

The Guardian - Sport

But these are not ordinary circumstances.

The New York Times

In ordinary circumstances, this might have been an extreme step.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary circumstance" to contrast a typical situation with an exceptional or unusual one to highlight the deviation from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinary circumstance" to describe situations that are intricate or require nuanced understanding. This can diminish the significance of the complexity involved and mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary circumstance" functions primarily as a noun phrase to describe a typical or commonplace situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. It sets a baseline against which unusual or exceptional events can be contrasted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinary circumstance" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes a typical or commonplace situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it serves to set a baseline against which deviations can be highlighted. Its usage is most frequent in news and media contexts. When writing, it's important to use this phrase to contrast with exceptional situations and avoid overgeneralizing its application in complex scenarios. Alternatives like "typical situation" or "normal conditions" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical situation

Replaces "circumstance" with "situation", focusing on the state of affairs.

normal conditions

Emphasizes the standard or expected environmental factors.

usual state of affairs

Highlights the customary way things are.

common occurrence

Focuses on how frequently something happens.

everyday event

Implies a routine or unremarkable happening.

standard procedure

Highlights an established method or protocol that is usually followed.

garden-variety case

Emphasizes the unexceptional nature of a situation.

run-of-the-mill instance

Highlights something that is neither special nor difficult to find.

workaday world

Focuses on daily routines and the familiar environment of work.

banal situation

Highlights the lack of originality or excitement in a given case.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinary circumstance" in a sentence?

You can use "ordinary circumstance" to describe situations that are typical or usual. For instance, "Under "ordinary circumstances", the meeting would have started on time".

What are some alternatives to "ordinary circumstance"?

Alternatives include "typical situation", "normal conditions", or "usual state of affairs", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'under ordinary circumstance' or 'under ordinary circumstances'?

The correct phrase is "under "ordinary circumstances"", using the plural form of "circumstance". The singular form is typically incorrect in this context.

What is the difference between "ordinary circumstance" and "exceptional circumstance"?

"Ordinary circumstance" refers to a typical or common situation, while "exceptional circumstance" describes a situation that is unusual, rare, or deviates significantly from the norm.