their circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the specific situation or condition of a person or group. Example: "Given their circumstance, it is understandable that they are seeking assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But the injustice of their circumstance doesn't ease the burden.

The New Yorker

At some point, the client has to take responsibility for their circumstance".

The New York Times

It always is surprising to me how accepting people can be, given their circumstance.

The New York Times

The Mets seem to understand the severe nature of their circumstance.

The New York Times - Sports

It's the only way they can break out of their circumstance".

The Guardian - Books

But any time we go into a school, we'll look at everybody, regardless of whatever their circumstance is".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

But their circumstances vary widely.

The New York Times

Pell did not explain their circumstances further.

Independent

"We continue to sympathise with their circumstances.

Independent

"Positive decisions about their circumstances".

The Guardian - Opinion

They explain their circumstances, make their apologies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "their circumstance" to emphasize the specific set of conditions impacting a person or group at a particular moment, highlighting the context of their actions or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "their circumstance" when a more general term like "situation" or "condition" would suffice. "Their circumstance" is best used when highlighting the specific, contextual factors influencing someone's situation, not just describing the situation itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical structure, showcasing its role in specifying the conditions affecting individuals or groups, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their circumstance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to the specific conditions or situation affecting an individual or group. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various contexts. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific publications. When writing, remember to use "their circumstance" when you want to emphasize the context influencing a situation, and consider alternatives like "their situation" or "their condition" if a broader term is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their situation

Focuses on the general state they are in, similar to circumstance but slightly broader.

their condition

Emphasizes the state of being, often related to health or well-being.

their predicament

Highlights a difficult or dangerous situation.

their plight

Draws attention to a distressing or unfortunate situation.

their case

Refers to the specific set of facts or arguments relevant to them.

their lot

Implies the circumstances that fate has assigned to them.

their standing

Focuses on their position or status in a social or professional context.

their environment

Emphasizes the external factors and surroundings affecting them.

the state of affairs

A broader term referring to the general situation or circumstances.

their background

Focuses on their past experiences and origins influencing their current state.

FAQs

How do I use "their circumstance" in a sentence?

You can use "their circumstance" to describe a specific situation someone is facing, such as "Given "their circumstance", they made the best decision they could."

What phrases are similar to "their circumstance"?

Similar phrases include "their situation", "their condition", or "their predicament", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "their circumstance" formal or informal?

"Their circumstance" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in neutral to formal writing. In very casual conversation, "their situation" might be preferred.

How does "their circumstance" differ from "their situation"?

"Their circumstance" emphasizes the surrounding conditions and factors impacting someone, while "their situation" is a broader term referring to their overall state. The former is more specific and contextual.