this situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this situation' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to a situation that has already been established and discussed in the preceding context. For example: "Given this situation, it's clear that our best course of action is to proceed with caution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consider this situation.

The New York Times

"This situation is serious".

The New Yorker

Many lamented this situation.

The New York Times - Arts

"This situation was unique.

Independent

This situation is absurd".

The New York Times

This situation has changed.

The New York Times

This situation was curious.

The New Yorker

Is this situation permanent?

The New York Times

This situation remains unresolved.

Cornell University

"This situation cannot last.

The New York Times

Will this situation change?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "this situation" with more specific terms like "economic downturn" or "political instability" when appropriate, to provide greater clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "this situation". This can make your writing repetitive and unclear. Vary your sentence structure and use more descriptive terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this situation" functions as a demonstrative determiner plus a noun. The demonstrative "this" specifies a particular situation, making it a referential expression. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used to connect a preceding context to a subsequent statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this situation" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to a specific context already established. As Ludwig confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and business writing, indicating its versatility. While appropriate in many contexts, it's crucial to ensure clarity by providing sufficient background information to avoid ambiguity. Consider using synonyms like "this circumstance" or "the current state of affairs" for variety and precision. Be mindful of overuse, and ensure your writing remains clear and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this circumstance

Replaces "situation" with a more formal synonym, focusing on a specific set of conditions.

these circumstances

Shifts from singular to plural, emphasizing multiple contributing factors to the overall condition.

the current state of affairs

Uses a more descriptive and formal phrase to refer to the existing conditions.

the present condition

Focuses on the current status or state, often used in a more technical or analytical context.

the given scenario

Implies a hypothetical or presented set of conditions, often used in discussions or analyses.

this set of circumstances

Highlights the specific combination of factors that define the situation.

the matter at hand

Emphasizes the immediate issue or subject being discussed or dealt with.

this event

Simplifies the reference to a specific occurrence or incident.

the issue in question

Draws attention to a particular problem or point of contention.

the predicament

Highlights a difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situation.

FAQs

How can I replace "this situation" in my writing?

Consider alternatives such as "this circumstance", "the current state of affairs", or "the present condition" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "this situation"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but ensure the context is clear. Overusing it at the beginning of sentences can lead to repetitive writing. Consider rephrasing or varying your sentence structure.

When is it best to use "this situation" over other similar phrases?

"This situation" is best used when referring to a specific, previously defined set of circumstances. It's appropriate when the context is clear and doesn't require more detailed explanation.

What are some common mistakes people make when using "this situation"?

A common mistake is using "this situation" without providing enough context, leaving the reader unsure of what situation is being referenced. Always ensure clarity and sufficient background information.