set of circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set of circumstances" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a combination of things (circumstances) that together form the context of a situation. For example, "The decision I made was based on a unique set of circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a weird set of circumstances.

Independent

It's a whole different set of circumstances".

The New York Times

It's just a demanding set of circumstances".

The New York Times

"It's a revolving set of circumstances.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a very difficult set of circumstances.

Independent

Or maybe it's just a freak set of circumstances.

The Washington Post

I think we have a very special set of circumstances.

The New Yorker

But this is a fresh set of circumstances.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Brown had to negotiate a delicate set of circumstances.

The New York Times

The numerical accounting covered a confounding set of circumstances.

The New York Times

"But it was a very fluid, complex set of circumstances.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, precede "set of circumstances" with an adjective that defines it, e.g. "complex set of circumstances"

Common error

Avoid using "set of circumstances" when a simpler term like "situation" or "conditions" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set of circumstances" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe a specific situation formed by a combination of different factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set of circumstances" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe a specific situation arising from a confluence of factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media, Academia, and Science, but should be used judiciously to avoid unnecessary verbosity. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is used to provide context and explain complex situations, making it a valuable tool for nuanced communication. Consider using alternatives like "state of affairs" or "prevailing conditions" for simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of affairs

Focuses on the existing conditions or situation.

prevailing conditions

Emphasizes the conditions that are currently dominant or widespread.

existing situation

Highlights the current state of affairs without implying complexity.

complex situation

Specifically points out the intricate nature of the circumstances.

unique situation

Emphasizes the distinct and uncommon nature of the circumstances.

peculiar situation

Highlights the odd or unusual character of the circumstances.

given situation

Focuses on the circumstances that are already in place or assumed.

context of situation

Highlights the framework of the situation.

chain of events

Stresses the sequence of occurrences leading to the situation.

turn of events

Emphasizes an unexpected or significant change in the situation.

FAQs

How to use "set of circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use "set of circumstances" to describe a combination of factors affecting a situation, as in "The company's success was due to a favorable "set of circumstances"".

What can I say instead of "set of circumstances"?

You can use alternatives like "state of affairs", "prevailing conditions", or "existing situation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "set of circumstances" or "set of situation"?

"Set of circumstances" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Set of situation" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "set of circumstances" and "chain of events"?

"Set of circumstances" refers to a combination of factors, while "chain of events" emphasizes a sequence of occurrences.