tenuous circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"tenuous circumstances" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or set of circumstances that are uncertain, delicate, or weak. Example: The company's financial stability was threatened by the tenuous circumstances of the economic recession. In this example, "tenuous circumstances" is used to convey the fragility of the company's financial situation due to the economic recession.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Tenants lived illegally under commercial leases or other tenuous circumstances.

The New York Times

I live under tenuous circumstances in a dilapidated rental apartment in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

Often, especially in cases with tenuous circumstances, teams confer with the commissioner's office before making a move in order to ensure they can do it.

The New York Times - Sports

Often, especially in cases with tenuous circumstances, teams confer with the commissioner's office before making the move in order to ensure they can do it.

The New York Times

Though he earns high fees whenever he does work, a devotion to art rather than a devotion to popular success places him from time to time in tenuous circumstances.

The New Yorker

Amidst the tenuous circumstances and health concerns surrounding Rio de Janeiro's upcoming Summer Olympics, there is a beacon shining through the darkness literally.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

ORLANDO, Fla .— He drinks milk, not beer, and his vocabulary includes "gee" and "darn," but Mitt Romney is being forced by increasingly tenuous political circumstances to show his mean guy.

The New York Times

Both eventually lost their jobs due to their tenuous housing circumstances.

Huffington Post

Schmelzer's place in musical history was left tenuous by circumstance.

The New York Times - Arts

Highly variable plumage and hybridization between Brown Skua and other species of southern skua has rendered identifications tenuous in some circumstances.

Cornell University

Through genealogy, we can uncover the often tenuous or serendipitous circumstances that led to our own existence.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tenuous circumstances", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature of the instability or uncertainty. Provide specific details to illustrate why the circumstances are considered tenuous.

Common error

Avoid using "tenuous circumstances" when the situation is clearly dire or catastrophic. Tenuous implies a degree of uncertainty and potential for change, whereas a truly disastrous situation leaves little room for hope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenuous circumstances" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the state or condition of a situation. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing unstable or precarious situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tenuous circumstances" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes situations characterized by instability or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not the most frequent expression, it finds common use in news, business, and formal writing. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure the context adequately illustrates the nature of the tenuousness to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "precarious situation" or "fragile conditions" may offer nuanced variations in meaning. Ludwig examples showcase the phrase's versatility in describing a range of unstable situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precarious situation

Focuses on the instability of the situation.

fragile conditions

Emphasizes the delicacy and vulnerability of the circumstances.

unstable environment

Highlights the lack of stability in the surroundings.

risky situation

Focuses on the element of potential danger or loss.

delicate state of affairs

Implies a need for careful handling due to the sensitivity of the situation.

uncertain conditions

Emphasizes the lack of predictability in the circumstances.

shaky ground

Uses a metaphor to describe the lack of solid foundation or security.

volatile situation

Highlights the potential for sudden and dramatic changes.

difficult straits

Focuses on the hardship and adversity of the situation.

vulnerable position

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "tenuous circumstances" to describe a situation that is unstable, uncertain, or fragile. For example: "The company's future is uncertain given the "tenuous circumstances" of the current market."

What are some alternatives to "tenuous circumstances"?

Alternatives include "precarious situation", "fragile conditions", or "unstable environment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "tenuous situation" or "tenuous circumstances"?

Both "tenuous situation" and "tenuous circumstances" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Circumstances" may be more appropriate when referring to a complex or multifaceted situation.

What does "tenuous" really mean in "tenuous circumstances"?

In "tenuous circumstances", "tenuous" means weak, uncertain, or delicate. It suggests that the circumstances are easily disrupted or subject to change.