sad circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sad circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unfortunate or causes sorrow. Example: "The sudden loss of the community center was a sad circumstance for all the residents who relied on it for support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is just a sad circumstance for him, but he is determined to fight his way back.

The New York Times - Sports

We experienced a once-in-a-millennium tsunami and we have to accept this hard and sad circumstance and stand up for our future.

The New York Times - Sports

He felt like staying closer to home, and he'd come into possession of a pair of horses and a wagon — by a sad circumstance, however.

The New Yorker

In 2009, Mr. Romney said Mr. Obama's plans for rescuing the automobile industry were "tragic" and "a very sad circumstance for this country".

The New York Times

Both are also deeply solitary: Mr Green out of choice and sad circumstance, and Ross because he is suffering profound guilt about his sexual orientation.

The Guardian

In How to Be Single, the four women are hardly spending their days doing tapestries and embracing celibacy, but by the time the finale arrives, and some of the main characters remain single through choice and not sad circumstance, an important realisation has been made.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They left under very sad circumstances.

The New York Times

Each of them is entitled to the same presumptions and due process rights which are extended to any citizen in these sad circumstances," the statement said.

The Guardian

Under these sad circumstances, "Just get to the damn table" (Leon Panetta, Dec. 2, 2011) is not a strategy for resolving this conflict.

The New York Times

In its sober gaiety, rising from its pages and despite the sad circumstances in which it was written, "Paris France" remains a remarkable, American act of self-possession.

The New Yorker

As Mr Appiah observes, our children's children will almost certainly find us in the same sad circumstances as our forebears: hip deep in turpitude.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sad circumstance" to describe events or situations that evoke feelings of sorrow, regret, or misfortune. It's effective in formal writing and news reporting to convey a sense of empathy and seriousness.

Common error

While "sad circumstance" is appropriate for formal writing, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "that's too bad" or "that's unfortunate" may be more suitable for informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sad circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, where "sad" modifies the noun "circumstance". It is used to describe a situation or event that is unfortunate or causes sorrow. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and grammatically correct. The examples provided by Ludwig AI show its usage in various contexts, mainly in news reporting.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sad circumstance" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase employed to describe unfortunate or sorrowful events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to convey empathy and inform about unfavorable situations. While acceptable, it's most suitable for formal writing. When writing, it's crucial to consider the context to ensure the phrase aligns appropriately with the level of formality required. Alternatives include "unfortunate situation" or "tragic event", offering nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate situation

Replaces "circumstance" with a more general term, focusing on the adverse nature of the situation.

tragic event

Emphasizes the severity of the situation, suggesting a more impactful and sorrowful event.

sorrowful event

Directly indicates the presence of sorrow and grief.

unhappy incident

Focuses on the event being a source of unhappiness.

regrettable situation

Highlights the feeling of regret associated with the situation.

unfortunate state

Focuses on the detrimental conditions

grievous occasion

Conveys a sense of deep sorrow and seriousness.

dire situation

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the situation, suggesting it is critical or desperate.

melancholy affair

Implies a long-lasting feeling of sadness and pensiveness.

depressing state of affairs

Describes the overall condition as being demoralizing and disheartening.

FAQs

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

You can use "sad circumstance" to describe events or situations that evoke feelings of sorrow or regret. For example, "The closure of the local hospital is a "sad circumstance" for the community."

What are some alternatives to "sad circumstance"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate situation", "tragic event", or "unhappy incident", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "sad circumstance" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "sad circumstance" is suitable for formal writing and reporting, as it conveys a sense of empathy and seriousness in describing unfortunate events.

What makes "sad circumstance" different from "unfortunate event"?

"Sad circumstance" typically refers to a broader situation that causes sorrow, while "unfortunate event" often refers to a specific occurrence. The former carries a slightly more emotional weight.