their circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the specific situations or conditions that individuals or groups find themselves in. Example: "We must consider their circumstances before making a decision that affects them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 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

Many had seen their circumstances change significantly.

The Guardian

They explain their circumstances, make their apologies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their circumstances could not be more different.

The New Yorker

Countries will make the best of their circumstances.

The Economist

Teenagers are teenagers, no matter what their circumstances.

The New York Times

Despite their circumstances, he said, they seem content.

The New York Times

They are such experts in the particulars of their circumstances.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, use "their circumstances" to maintain a respectful and objective tone. It avoids judgmental language and focuses on factual conditions.

Common error

Avoid replacing straightforward descriptions of "their circumstances" with overly vague or euphemistic language that obscures the reality of the situation. Clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their circumstances" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the conditions or situations that affect a group or individuals. As Ludwig highlights, this usage is grammatically correct and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their circumstances" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the situations or conditions affecting individuals or groups. As Ludwig's AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and very common, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "their situation" or "their conditions" exist, "their circumstances" offers a nuanced way to provide context and understanding. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and avoid euphemisms that could obscure the reality of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their situation

This alternative uses a more general term to refer to the state they are in, simplifying the expression.

their conditions

This alternative focuses on the state of being or the factors affecting their lives, emphasizing external influences.

their plight

This alternative highlights the difficult or unfortunate aspects of their situation, adding an element of sympathy or concern.

the state of affairs they face

This alternative provides a more formal and descriptive way to refer to their situation, emphasizing the current conditions.

the position they're in

This alternative uses a more colloquial expression to describe their current state, making it less formal.

their lot in life

This alternative suggests a predetermined or assigned state, often implying a sense of fate or destiny.

their existing reality

This alternative highlights the current and tangible aspects of their situation, focusing on what is actually happening.

the variables of their life

This alternative frames their situation in terms of contributing factors and influences, suitable for analytical contexts.

the context of their lives

This alternative emphasizes the broader environment and surrounding factors that influence their situation.

the hand they were dealt

This alternative uses a metaphorical expression to refer to the challenges and opportunities they have been given, implying a degree of chance or fate.

FAQs

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

You can use "their circumstances" to describe the conditions or situations people find themselves in. For example, "We need to consider "their circumstances" before making any decisions that affect them."

What's a more formal way to say "their circumstances"?

A more formal alternative to "their circumstances" could be "their situation" or "their conditions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "his or her circumstances" instead of "their circumstances"?

While "his or her circumstances" is grammatically correct when referring to a single person of unspecified gender, "their circumstances" is often preferred for inclusivity or when gender is unknown, and is widely accepted as grammatically correct in this context.

What's the difference between "their circumstances" and "their background"?

"Their circumstances" refers to their current situation or conditions, while "their background" refers to their past experiences, upbringing, and history. "Their circumstances" focuses on the present, while "their background" considers the past.