special circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "special circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to certain conditions or situations that require special attention or treatment. For example, "The judge took the defendant's special circumstances into consideration when deciding the sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There are no special circumstances.

The New York Times

Except under special circumstances.

The Guardian

These are special circumstances".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are always under special circumstances.

The New York Times

I think those were special circumstances.

The New York Times

In fact, special circumstances prevail there.

The Economist

One of these special circumstances is pregnancy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I don't demand special circumstances.

The New York Times - Arts

His girlfriend pleads special circumstances.

The New York Times

But then there were special circumstances.

The Guardian - Sport

But we made it in special circumstances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "special circumstances", clearly define what those circumstances are to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about which factors make the situation unique and why they warrant special consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "special circumstances" as a vague justification for deviating from standard procedures or policies. Always provide a clear explanation of why the circumstances are indeed special and require a different approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "special circumstances" functions as a noun phrase modifier, often used to describe situations that deviate from the norm and require specific attention. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across varied contexts, indicating its versatility in modifying nouns related to events, rules, or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

34%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "special circumstances" is a versatile and widely used phrase to denote situations that deviate from the norm and necessitate specific consideration. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various domains, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, be specific about the circumstances and avoid vague justifications. Alternatives such as "exceptional situation" or "mitigating circumstances" can be used to add nuance. The phrase functions as a noun phrase modifier and maintains a neutral to formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional situation

Focuses on the uniqueness and deviation from the expected.

unusual conditions

Highlights the atypical nature of the setting or situation.

extenuating factors

Emphasizes elements that mitigate or excuse a particular outcome.

mitigating circumstances

Suggests factors that lessen the severity of a situation or action.

atypical scenarios

Highlights the deviation from standard or expected patterns.

unique situations

Underscores the distinct and unparalleled nature of the context.

peculiar conditions

Implies a degree of strangeness or oddity in the setting.

extraordinary events

Focuses on the remarkable and often unforeseen occurrences.

specific instances

Highlights particular occurrences that necessitate individual attention.

uncommon cases

Emphasizes the rarity and infrequency of the situation.

FAQs

How do I use "special circumstances" in a sentence?

Use "special circumstances" to describe situations that require unique consideration. For example, "The university may grant exceptions under "extenuating circumstances"".

What phrases can I use instead of "special circumstances"?

Alternatives include "exceptional situation", "unusual conditions", or "mitigating circumstances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to invoke "special circumstances"?

It is appropriate when factors exist that significantly deviate from the norm and warrant deviation from standard procedures. This should be justified with clear and specific reasons.

How can I effectively explain "special circumstances" in my writing?

Provide detailed and specific information about the unique conditions. Explain why these conditions necessitate a departure from standard practices or policies, and what outcomes are anticipated as a result.