situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a set of circumstances or a specific state of affairs. Example: "In this situation, we need to consider all possible outcomes before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This situation may be heightened if they are financially reliant on their partner.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a terrible situation.

The New York Times

"We are concerned that this development may have an increasingly negative impact on the threat situation in Norway".

The New York Times

Now the situation is different.

The New York Times

Disappointingly, although they commented favourably on some aspects, their general view was that the situation had not improved.

The Guardian

The situation in Northern Ireland, overshadowed by the attacks in the US, is heading towards uncharted territory.

The Guardian

If you would like fellow readers to respond to a dilemma of yours, send us an outline of the situation of about 150 words.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you would like fellow readers and Linda Blair to answer a dilemma of yours, send us an outline of the situation of around 250 words.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Let me assure you the situation is under control.

The Economist

"The situation is out of control.

The New York Times

The defence ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were meeting on Thursday and the situation in the Baltic sea would be the "number one topic of the meeting", Siemoniak said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "situation", ensure that the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Provide specific details to clarify the nature and scope of the "situation" being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "situation" as a vague placeholder. Instead of saying "The situation is bad", be specific: "The economic conditions are deteriorating rapidly."

Linguistic Context

The word "situation" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a set of circumstances or a state of affairs. As shown in Ludwig, it can describe a wide range of conditions, from personal dilemmas to global crises.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "situation" is a versatile noun widely used to describe a set of circumstances or a state of affairs. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, its effectiveness depends on providing clear and specific details. Alternatives like ""state of affairs"" or "set of circumstances" can add nuance, but the key is to avoid vague usage and ensure clarity for the reader. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "situation" to convey precise meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of affairs

This phrase emphasizes the current conditions and circumstances.

set of circumstances

This alternative highlights the specific conditions influencing an event or condition.

context

This term focuses on the surrounding factors that provide relevance and understanding.

scenario

This word implies a hypothetical or possible sequence of events.

position

This alternative emphasizes the arrangement or placement in relation to surroundings.

predicament

This term suggests a difficult or unpleasant circumstance.

case

This alternative refers to a specific instance or occurrence.

development

This word implies a change or unfolding of events.

event

This alternative refers to something that happens or takes place.

issue

This term suggests a problem or topic of concern.

FAQs

How to use "situation" in a sentence?

You can use "situation" to describe a set of circumstances. For example, "The current economic "state of affairs" is concerning" or "We need to assess the "current context" before making a decision".

What can I say instead of "situation"?

You can use alternatives like ""state of affairs"", "set of circumstances", or "context" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Which is correct, "in this situation" or "under these circumstances"?

Both phrases are generally correct and can be used interchangeably. "In this "situation"" is more general, while "under these "circumstances"" may imply more specific conditions.

What's the difference between "situation" and "circumstance"?

"Situation" generally refers to a broader set of conditions or events, while "circumstance" often refers to a specific fact or condition that affects an event or "situation".