this is the situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is the situation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referencing a particular situation or condition. For example: "This is the situation we are facing - the bridge is too weak to pass over safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So this is the situation.

Independent

"This is the situation I'm in.

The New York Times - Sports

This is the situation facing Kenyan commuters.

The New York Times

"This is the situation," he said.

The New Yorker

And this is the situation now".

The New York Times - Arts

This is the situation now.

The Guardian

This is the situation we now face".

The New York Times

"This is the situation of my life.

The New York Times

This is the situation in which asylum seekers find themselves.

The Guardian

"We told him: 'You know this is the situation.

The New York Times - Sports

Arguably, this is the situation as it stands.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is the situation" to clearly and directly introduce the context or circumstances surrounding a topic. This phrase works well to set the stage before providing details or analysis.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "this is the situation". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "the current state", "the circumstances", or restructuring your sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is the situation" functions as a declarative statement that introduces or summarizes a set of circumstances. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, serving to set the stage for further explanation or analysis. It is often followed by details or consequences related to the described condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is the situation" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for introducing or summarizing a set of circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. As demonstrated through many examples, it's particularly prevalent in news media, scientific writing and business communications. The phrase serves primarily to convey information and establish context, making it a valuable tool for clear and direct communication. Remember to vary your language to avoid overuse, and consider the formality of the situation when choosing alternative phrasings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is where we stand

Changes the focus to the current position or status rather than the overall circumstances.

these are the circumstances

Emphasizes the specific factors or events affecting a situation.

this is the state of affairs

Replaces "situation" with a more formal term for the current conditions.

here's the current status

Focuses on providing an update or overview of the present condition.

that's the way it is

Offers a more resigned or accepting tone regarding the situation.

such is life

Implies acceptance of the situation, often with a hint of disappointment or resignation.

this is how things are

Presents the situation as a matter of fact, often implying that it is not likely to change.

the reality is this

Highlights the factual nature of the situation, often in contrast to expectations or desires.

this is the predicament

Replaces situation with a term that is often used when talking about difficult or dangerous situations.

this is the scenario

Focuses on the sequence of events or the hypothetical nature of the situation

FAQs

How can I use "this is the situation" in a sentence?

You can use "this is the situation" to introduce or summarize the circumstances you're about to explain. For example, "This is the situation: we need to reduce costs by 20% next quarter".

What are some alternatives to "this is the situation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "this is where we stand", "these are the circumstances", or "the reality is".

Is it ever inappropriate to use "this is the situation"?

While generally acceptable, using "this is the situation" might be too direct or blunt in highly sensitive or delicate situations. Consider using a more empathetic or nuanced phrase in those cases.

How formal is the phrase "this is the situation"?

The phrase "this is the situation" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for most professional and casual contexts, but might be too plain for very formal or academic writing.