situations

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'situations' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any particular state of affairs or circumstances. For example: "We had to adjust our plans based on the changing situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is perhaps to stop such situations that Robin Williams, it was revealed last week, signed a deed to prevent his image, or any likeness of him, being used at least 25 years after his death.

The Guardian

The situations are somewhat different (although not by much, some would argue).

The Guardian

Bridges' quick feet and quicker mind allowed him to size up situations before defenders even knew that they existed, able to calculate exactly what needed to be done to get the ball into the net whether the ball was at his feet or someone else's.

The Guardian - Sport

The government said the measure would be used in limited operational situations but it was "critical to enable covert investigation of terrorism offences".

The Guardian

Second, I'm highly experienced in working with talent in variety of situations.

The Guardian

However, I have been in law enforcement for almost two decades now, so it's like breathing: all these situations we see in the novel, in some measure one has been through them".

The Guardian

That they bank on only one main capable guy, while the police force consists of many officers?" BS: "Certain situations demand a certain mix of skills.

The Guardian

A second, more tricky question – for both the left and right – is that if these schools really are offering the best possible education in a difficult situations, then why are we ruling out such a possibility for England?

The Guardian

Beckenbauer promptly took off his draftsman, Magath, and brought on the old battering ram, Hoeness, who in the past had rescued the Germans from such fraught situations.

The Guardian - Sport

Debrett's etiquette guide has for centuries provided the rules for handling ticklesome social situations, such as not knowing how to address an envelope to the widow of an earl ("The Dowager Countess of Wherever" should do it, FYI).

The Guardian - Music

Arming troops with almost no real training and sending them into extremely sensitive situations where they may be shot at with weapons from within crowds, largely made up of angry but unarmed civilians, sounds like a recipe for disaster.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "circumstances" or "scenarios" to avoid repetition and enhance the clarity of your writing.

Common error

While "situations" is a versatile word, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal or academic contexts, consider using more precise terms such as "circumstances", "conditions", or "developments" to add nuance and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "situations" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of a particular state of affairs or sets of circumstances. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is frequently used to describe various contexts and conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "situations" functions as a versatile plural noun used to describe various states of affairs or sets of circumstances. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and highly common across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business, and scientific settings. When writing, consider using synonyms like "circumstances" or "scenarios" to enhance clarity and avoid repetition. The word's neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

circumstances

Replaces "situations" with a focus on the surrounding factors or conditions affecting an event or action.

circumstances

Replaces "situations" and refers to the set of facts or conditions that affect an event, action, or situation.

conditions

Emphasizes the state or circumstances in which something exists or occurs, similar to "situations".

scenarios

Refers to possible events or courses of action, presenting a hypothetical alternative to "situations".

cases

Highlights specific instances or examples, offering a more concrete alternative to "situations".

events

Focuses on occurrences or happenings, providing a more action-oriented perspective compared to "situations".

developments

Highlights the unfolding or progression of events, emphasizing change over time, unlike static "situations".

state of affairs

This phrase offers a more formal and comprehensive description of the overall context.

predicaments

Suggests difficult or problematic circumstances, adding a negative connotation absent in neutral "situations".

occurrences

Focuses on specific instances or events, often with an emphasis on their happening or taking place.

FAQs

How can I use "situations" in a sentence?

"Situations" refers to a set of circumstances or a particular state of affairs. For example, "We must be prepared to handle unexpected "situations" effectively."

What can I say instead of "situations"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "circumstances", "conditions", or "scenarios".

Which is correct, "situations" or "situation"?

"Situations" is the plural form of "situation". Use "situations" when referring to multiple instances or sets of circumstances; use "situation" for a single instance.

What's the difference between "situations" and "circumstances"?

While similar, "situations" often refers to specific events or states, whereas "circumstances" typically encompass the broader context or surrounding conditions.