severe circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"severe circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is difficult or dire, usually due to lack of resources, stress, or a combination of the two. For example, "The family was facing severe circumstances due to their parent's medical bills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"In these severe circumstances, when roads, electricity, communications are severely disrupted, how do you manage to have an effective response?" he said.

The New York Times

Studies have shown that when the blood vessels in the posterior pole show increased dilation and tortuosity (called pre-plus in intermediate, and plus in severe circumstances), this correlates well with the severity of the ROP [ 4].

Biomedical Optics Express

Increased dilation and tortuosity of the blood vessels in the posterior pole (called pre-plus in intermediate, and plus in severe circumstances) is an important indicator of ROP severity.

Biomedical Optics Express

You've basically proven that you can handle the pressure under the most severe circumstances.

The New York Times

Fincher cast him, in part, for the enjoyment of seeing someone so affable placed in such severe circumstances.

The Guardian - Film

Military airbase pavement concrete, especially parking aprons, are regularly exposed to extremely severe circumstances that are not usually experienced by other concrete pavements.

Construction and Building Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"The key driver of this is the requirement to save money but we also have to reflect the fact that the general public are undergoing the most severe economic circumstances," the source said.

The Guardian

Tests have shown that front-wheel-drive cars fitted with snow tires can outperform an equivalent AWD car with all-season tires under severe winter circumstances.

Forbes

Mr Hirai made the proposal to rescind the bonuses because of "severe business circumstances, including stagnant performance in the electronics sector", a Sony spokeswoman told the AFP news agency.

BBC

Even so, the letter added: "We wish to take this opportunity to emphasize that this administration is deeply concerned about the severe economic circumstances your clients face and is committed to working with all affected parties, including the districts, to work out a solution to this difficult problem". In the Klamath River Basin, some reacted with anger.

Los Angeles Times

Besides these severe natural circumstances.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex event, use "severe circumstances" to encapsulate the overall challenging conditions without delving into specific details.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "severe circumstances" as a descriptive phrase. Vary your language by incorporating more specific details about the challenges being faced. For example, instead of simply stating "The company faced severe circumstances", specify "The company faced severe financial difficulties due to declining sales and increased competition".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe circumstances" functions as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies the noun "circumstances". It describes a state or condition characterized by significant difficulty or adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its general usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe circumstances" is a commonly used phrase to describe difficult or dire situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and broadly applicable. Its use spans various contexts, including news, scientific publications, and business communications. When writing, be mindful to use more specific language describing the challenges when possible. Remember that while "severe circumstances" is effective for indicating the gravity of a situation, avoid overusing it by adding context or by choosing more descriptive or targeted alternatives like ""dire straits"" or ""critical condition"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crisis situation

Indicates an immediate and critical problem that requires urgent attention.

dire straits

Emphasizes the extreme difficulty and urgency of the situation.

precarious situation

Suggests a state of instability and potential danger.

extreme hardship

Emphasizes the severity of suffering and deprivation.

critical condition

Focuses on the severity of a health-related or situational crisis.

adverse conditions

Highlights the unfavorable nature of the surrounding environment or situation.

difficult situation

A more general term that indicates a challenging scenario without necessarily implying extreme severity.

challenging environment

Emphasizes the difficulty arising from external factors or surroundings.

tough times

An informal way to describe a period of hardship or adversity.

desperate measures

Highlights the extremity of actions taken in response to a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "severe circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use "severe circumstances" to describe a difficult or dire situation. For instance, "The refugees were living in "difficult circumstances" after the war" or "The company had to make drastic changes due to "economic hardship" and "financial difficulties"".

What are some alternatives to "severe circumstances"?

Alternatives to "severe circumstances" include "dire straits", "critical condition", or "difficult situation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "severe circumstances" in formal writing?

Yes, "severe circumstances" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a serious situation, as demonstrated by its usage in news articles, scientific papers, and business reports.

What kind of situations typically warrant the use of the phrase "severe circumstances"?

"Severe circumstances" is typically used to describe situations involving significant hardship, difficulty, or crisis. This could include economic downturns, natural disasters, health emergencies, or any other situation that poses a serious threat to well-being or stability.