terrible circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is extremely difficult, unfortunate, or distressing. Example: "The community came together to support those affected by the terrible circumstances following the natural disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This helps us live through the most terrible circumstances.

The New York Times

"My father's cousin, Fritz Ursell, was also rescued from terrible circumstances.

The New York Times

"But having lost the man I love in such terrible circumstances, my conscience has been roused.

The Guardian

Terrible circumstances and impossible to replace Jo but she would want strong representation for constituents".

The Guardian

Do boundaries protect from the feelings of pain and grief when someone dies in terrible circumstances?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm trying to show the extreme lengths people will go to to escape terrible circumstances.

The Guardian - Arts

It is difficult to imagine more terrible circumstances for Mr Brown finally to achieve his life's ambition.

The Economist

"I think we have to persuade the British people that even in these terrible circumstances socialism isn't the answer.

Independent

But there is widespread confusion over the legal basis for the use of force in these terrible circumstances.

The New York Times

Mr. Sellars (better known as a theater director), Miss Ringwald and, particularly, Mr. Meredith are remarkably good under terrible circumstances.

The New York Times

But beauty, he went on, "can happen under terrible circumstances and love can exist in weird ways".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics involving "terrible circumstances", use respectful and empathetic language to avoid causing further distress to affected individuals.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic or sensational language when describing "terrible circumstances". Maintain a factual and objective tone to ensure credibility and avoid exploiting the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible circumstances" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "terrible" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "circumstances". As Ludwig confirms, it describes situations marked by extreme difficulty or misfortune. The word 'circumstances' can refer to surrounding events or situations, while 'terrible' adds an intensity of severity and negative impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrible circumstances" is a commonly used phrase that describes situations marked by significant adversity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, with "terrible" modifying "circumstances" to emphasize severity. Its communicative purpose is to convey the gravity of a situation, eliciting empathy and understanding. The phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal communication, as seen in its prevalence across news, business, and academic sources. When writing about such circumstances, it's crucial to maintain a respectful and objective tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desperate situation

Highlights the extreme urgency and lack of hope in the existing circumstances.

tragic events

Specifically refers to events causing great sadness, distress, or suffering.

dire straits

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the situation, highlighting a state of great need or danger.

unfortunate situation

Emphasizes the element of bad luck or misfortune contributing to the circumstances.

difficult situation

Offers a more general description of trouble, without necessarily implying extreme severity.

crisis situation

Implies a critical turning point or a situation with a high potential for negative outcomes.

adverse conditions

Focuses on the external factors and surroundings contributing to the problem.

unfavorable events

Highlights the negative occurrence of particular incidents, implying a broader sequence of unfortunate situations.

tough break

An informal expression that conveys sympathy or regret over an instance of bad luck or unfair treatment.

challenging times

Suggests a period marked by difficulties that require effort and resilience to overcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "terrible circumstances" to describe a situation that is extremely difficult or unfortunate. For example, "The community rallied together to support families facing "terrible circumstances" after the devastating earthquake."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "terrible circumstances"?

Some alternatives include "dire straits", "difficult situation", or "tragic events", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "terrible circumstances" in formal writing?

Yes, "terrible circumstances" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the tone remains respectful and objective, especially when dealing with sensitive topics.

What is the difference between "terrible circumstances" and "difficult situation"?

"Terrible circumstances" suggests a higher degree of severity and distress compared to a "difficult situation". The former implies a more tragic or dire scenario.