specific set of circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific set of circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to particular conditions or situations that are relevant to a discussion or analysis. Example: "The decision was made based on a specific set of circumstances that affected the outcome of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It is about a very specific set of circumstances, but the issues in it are very universal.

The New York Times

No, assisted dying, its current proponents insist, must only ever be a personal choice in a very specific set of circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

It emerged as a particular and unique feature of the historical process in Europe; it was an evolutionary adaptation to a very specific set of circumstances.

The Guardian

But it was a very specific set of circumstances that led to the birth of kaneka, the sound of New Caledonia, a small archipelago in the South Pacific colonised by France since 1853.

The Guardian - Music

Given a highly specific set of circumstances (some of which are in your control, many of which are not), you, too, might enjoy an NFL career into your advanced years.

Yale University

One of the review's key findings is that under a very specific set of circumstances – including the use of an energy-absorbing whip and strict controls on how it can be used – the whip does not cause pain to racehorses and is not cruel.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

They are little more than figures plucked from the air because they depend on specific sets of circumstances.

The Economist

Outliers like Pokémon GO come from specific sets of circumstances and are hard to duplicate.

TechCrunch

Is it OK to take photos of sleeping commuters and send them to a friend? A. Only under this very specific set of karmic circumstances: 1.

Independent

However, as a faith, work is transient, based on a specific set of historical circumstances.

Huffington Post

Instead, using a very specific set of personal circumstances, he's suggesting we shouldn't stigmatise Wonga itself – as though struggling families have been misunderstood by the liberal elite who think they know best.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specific set of circumstances", ensure the context clearly indicates which circumstances are being referenced. Provide enough detail to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid applying conclusions drawn from a "specific set of circumstances" to broader situations without careful consideration. Ensure the initial conditions are truly analogous before generalizing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific set of circumstances" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown in the provided examples on Ludwig, it identifies particular conditions relevant to a given situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0.001%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specific set of circumstances" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote particular conditions affecting a situation. According to Ludwig, it's considered correct and applicable in various contexts. The phrase appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific sources, indicating its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and context to avoid ambiguity. Remember to consider if the context is unique before generalizing and be precise in explaining conditions to avoid confusion. Alternative expressions include "particular situation" or "unique set of conditions", which offer similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular situation

Focuses on the uniqueness of the situation without emphasizing the number of conditions.

unique set of conditions

Highlights the distinctiveness of the conditions involved, rather than a broad scenario.

special circumstances

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the conditions.

distinct situation

Emphasizes the clarity and separateness of the situation from others.

peculiar circumstances

Highlights that the circumstances are odd or unusual.

certain conditions

Less specific, referring to identified conditions without emphasis on their uniqueness.

given scenario

Frames the circumstances as a hypothetical or presented situation.

precise context

Focuses on the exact and detailed background or environment.

defined parameters

Refers to established and limited conditions within which something occurs.

particular framework

Emphasizes the structure or system in which the circumstances exist.

FAQs

How can I use "specific set of circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use "specific set of circumstances" to refer to particular conditions or situations that are relevant to a discussion or analysis. For example, "The decision was made based on a specific set of circumstances that affected the outcome of the project."

What are some alternatives to "specific set of circumstances"?

You can use alternatives like "particular situation", "unique set of conditions", or "special circumstances" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very specific set of circumstances"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very" may be redundant as "specific" already implies a high degree of detail. Consider if "specific set of circumstances" already conveys the intended meaning adequately.

How does "specific set of circumstances" differ from "general situation"?

"Specific set of circumstances" refers to a particular, well-defined situation, while "general situation" refers to a broad, less-defined context. The former is precise, while the latter is more ambiguous.