under circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"under circumstances" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe specific conditions or situations that affect an outcome or decision. For example: "Under circumstances that are beyond our control, we must adapt our plans." Alternative expressions include "in certain situations" and "given the conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But not under circumstances like this".

The New York Times - Sports

But both left abruptly, under circumstances that they won't discuss.

The New Yorker

Mr. Kushnaryov was shot under circumstances not yet fully explained.

The New York Times

They were cast under circumstances that favored Mr. Chen.

The New York Times

And they were killed under circumstances that most of us could never imagine.

Independent

In contrast, pathological tachycardia is defined by its presence under circumstances where it is physiologically inappropriate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To paraphrase Marx, women make their own circumstances, but not under circumstances of their own making.

The New Yorker

But the killings, in the village of Aqrab, happened under circumstances that remain unclear.

The New York Times

But many of us could imagine assuming this pose under circumstances pleasant or not.

The New York Times

His poise under circumstances unfathomable to his teammates faltered only once all day.

The New York Times - Sports

She stepped down last week under circumstances that were not entirely clear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under circumstances", ensure the sentence clearly specifies what those circumstances are or provides sufficient context for the reader to understand them.

Common error

Avoid using "under circumstances" without providing context. Vague references can confuse readers. Instead, clearly state the specific conditions that apply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under circumstances" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the conditions or situation in which an action occurs or a state exists. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is used to add detail and context to an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under circumstances" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to provide context and explain the conditions affecting an event or decision. As validated by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it appropriate for various writing styles, though clarity is key. To maximize the impact of your writing, ensure that the specific circumstances are clearly defined. Although this expression appears in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, it's best to avoid it in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to the circumstances

Implies that actions or decisions are guided by the prevailing circumstances.

given the situation

Emphasizes a specific, known situation as the context.

in light of the conditions

Highlights the prevailing conditions that influence an event or decision.

considering the context

Focuses on the broader context surrounding an event.

depending on the situation

Indicates that the outcome varies based on different situations.

in specific cases

Refers to particular instances or scenarios.

in the event of

Suggests a hypothetical or future situation.

subject to the conditions

Highlights the dependency on certain pre-existing conditions.

contingent upon the situation

Emphasizes that something is conditional and relies on a specific situation.

depending on how things are

Informal way of referring to the influence of circumstances.

FAQs

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

Use "under circumstances" to describe the conditions or situation in which something happens, for example: "The decision was made "under circumstances" that were less than ideal."

What are some alternatives to "under circumstances"?

You can use alternatives like "given the situation", "in light of the conditions", or "depending on the situation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "under circumstances" or "in this situation"?

The choice depends on the context. "Under circumstances" is more formal and general, while "in this situation" refers to a more specific, immediate context. Consider the formality and scope of your writing.

What does "under circumstances" mean?

"Under circumstances" means in a particular situation or set of conditions. It's used to explain how external factors influence an event or decision.