the circumstance when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the circumstance when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific situation or condition under which something occurs. Example: "The circumstance when the project deadline was moved up caused a lot of stress among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Information was obtained directly from the patient; in the circumstance when the participant was unavailable the next of kin was contacted regarding hospitalizations, nursing home placement, or mortality.

BMC Geriatrics

In this study, we were interested in doctors' responses to a mandatory free-text field completion when acknowledging a decision support alert specific to the circumstance when a VTE risk assessment suggests prophylaxis but no prescription was completed.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some lawmakers had proposed tightening the circumstances when the F.B.I. could use the surveillance powers.

The New York Times

Indeed it is not hard to imagine the circumstances when most of the generosity of the past week could evaporate, while the £12bn cut in welfare remains.

The Guardian

In a 1988 case, the Supreme Court outlined the circumstances when an individual sought by police officers might feel compelled to comply with their instructions.

The New York Times

Tyrie feels the bank "failed to provide [a] balanced and full account" of the circumstances when reports of resignations surfaced two months ago.

The Guardian - Business

If so, there is then a proper debate to be had about the circumstances when it might need to be overruled, as the philosopher Simon Blackburn recently argued.

The Guardian

It should include information about the landlord's contact address, the circumstances when the landlord can take money out of the deposit, and the identity of the particular scheme.

The Guardian - Money

After the police specifically asked Patel to assess the possibility of asphyxia, the doctor admitted he did not adequately comment on the circumstances when the "classic signs of asphyxia" are not present.

The Guardian

William Hague, the foreign secretary, today announced a review into the circumstances when the government might use nuclear weapons as he disclosed the maximum number of warheads in Britain's arsenal.

The Guardian

Here is a link to an article in The Journal of the North American Menopause Society describing both potential risks of hormone therapy, and the circumstances when it can be beneficial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the circumstance when", ensure that the 'when' clause clearly defines the specific condition or situation you are referencing. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "the circumstance when" interchangeably with simpler alternatives like "when" or "if". Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. Simpler is often better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the circumstance when" functions as a relative clause introducing a specific situation or condition. It connects a noun phrase ('the circumstance') with a subordinate clause describing the timing or conditions of that circumstance. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the circumstance when" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce specific situations or conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, though its usage is relatively rare. More common synonyms include "the situation in which" or "the condition under which". While acceptable, writers should be mindful of potentially simpler alternatives. It appears mainly in scientific and news-related articles, showing a bias for more formal writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation in which

Replaces 'circumstance' with a more general term 'situation'.

the condition under which

Substitutes 'circumstance' with 'condition', emphasizing the requirements for something to occur.

the time when

Focuses specifically on the temporal aspect of the circumstance.

in the event that

Introduces a hypothetical situation or condition.

under the conditions that

Similar to "the condition under which", but more formal.

the case in which

Replaces 'circumstance' with 'case', suggesting a specific instance.

the scenario where

Emphasizes a hypothetical or imagined situation.

the moment that

Highlights the specific point in time related to the circumstance.

the occasion when

Focuses on a specific event or instance.

the instance where

Highlights a particular occurrence or example.

FAQs

How can I use "the circumstance when" in a sentence?

You can use "the circumstance when" to introduce a specific situation or condition. For example: "Consider "the circumstance when" additional resources are needed."

What are some alternatives to "the circumstance when"?

Alternatives include "the situation in which", "the condition under which", or simply "when" depending on the context.

Is "the circumstance when" formal or informal?

"The circumstance when" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, using "when" or "if" might be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "the circumstance when" or "the circumstances when"?

Both can be correct, depending on whether you are referring to a single circumstance or multiple circumstances. "The circumstances when" is used to describe different or multiple conditions.