under difficult circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

'under difficult circumstances' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a situation that is challenging or hard to manage. Example: The company has continued to thrive and remain competitive under difficult circumstances.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— under difficult circumstances.

The Washington Post

I wrote it under difficult circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The management have done a good job under difficult circumstances.

The New York Times

The worst is when someone dies under difficult circumstances.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Led Zeppelin's 1976 album Presence was recorded under difficult circumstances.

The Guardian - Music

"He's doing a good job under difficult circumstances".

The New York Times

You should be proud of what you accomplish under difficult circumstances.

Columbia University

"He's done well under difficult circumstances," said Donald C. Alexander, the Nixon administration tax commissioner.

The New York Times

One former colleague says: "He is very analytically strong, calm under difficult circumstances and diligent.

The Guardian - Business

Faith No More's next two albums were made under difficult circumstances and their morale plunged.

The Guardian - Music

Lipton praised Rouhani's efforts to restore macroeonomic stability under difficult circumstances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "in challenging times" or "facing adversity" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something happened "under difficult circumstances" without elaborating on the specific challenges involved. Provide context to make your statement more meaningful and impactful. For instance, instead of saying "The project was completed under difficult circumstances", specify "The project was completed under difficult circumstances, including a tight deadline and budget constraints."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under difficult circumstances" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and adjectives to describe the conditions surrounding an action or state. It indicates that something is done or exists despite challenges. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Reference

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under difficult circumstances" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations marked by challenges or hardships. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding context to actions and emphasizing the presence of obstacles. It can highlight effort, resilience, or success despite these challenges. While synonyms like "in challenging times" or "facing adversity" exist, understanding the specific context is crucial for accurate and impactful communication. Remember to provide context when using the phrase to enhance its meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under adverse conditions

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the unfavorable nature of the circumstances.

in unfavorable circumstances

Indicates that the conditions are not conducive to success or progress.

in challenging times

Focuses on the temporal aspect of difficulty, emphasizing the period rather than the specific conditions.

in the face of challenges

Highlights the act of confronting and addressing obstacles directly.

in trying conditions

Emphasizes the testing or straining nature of the situation.

in demanding situations

Focuses on the high level of expectation and effort required.

facing adversity

Highlights the act of confronting hardship, suggesting resilience and determination.

amidst hardship

Conveys a sense of being surrounded by difficulty and suffering.

against the odds

Highlights the improbability of success given the challenging circumstances.

despite setbacks

Specifically addresses instances where progress has been hindered, implying resilience and perseverance.

FAQs

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

You can use "under difficult circumstances" to describe situations where challenges or hardships are present. For example, "The company managed to increase profits "under difficult circumstances"."

What phrases are similar to "under difficult circumstances"?

Similar phrases include "in challenging times", "facing adversity", or "in trying conditions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "under difficult circumstance" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "under difficult circumstances", using the plural form of circumstance. "Circumstances" refers to the set of conditions affecting a situation.

What's the difference between "under difficult circumstances" and "in difficult circumstances"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and interchangeable. "Under difficult circumstances" might slightly emphasize the conditions themselves, while "in difficult circumstances" focuses more on the state of being within those conditions.