under some circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

'under some circumstances' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about specific conditions that affect a certain situation. For example, "Under some circumstances, the conference may need to be postponed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Under some circumstances that might be true.

The Economist

"However, under some circumstances it can happen".

The Guardian

Under some circumstances, a 6-6 record will do.

The New York Times - Sports

But it can develop only under some circumstances.

The New Yorker

The old ceiling view did make sense under some circumstances.

The New York Times

Even falling by a point or two can be a pretty decent result under some circumstances.

The New York Times

Markets turn out to be very bad at assessing values under some circumstances.

The New York Times

And under some circumstances, the fire cannot be extinguished with water.

The New York Times

Under some circumstances, it required countries to go through a painful deflation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under some circumstances, the expense can turn negative if the share price plunges.

The New York Times

Under some circumstances, the sulfuric acid stage of manufacture can be avoided.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under some circumstances", ensure the context clearly indicates what these circumstances are, either explicitly or implicitly, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "under some circumstances" without providing any indication of what those circumstances might be. Vague usage reduces clarity and makes the statement less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under some circumstances" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb, adjective, or clause by indicating the conditions under which something is true or might occur. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under some circumstances" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to introduce conditionality into a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, noting its prevalence across diverse sources like news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by either specifying the circumstances or implying them effectively through context. Alternatives like "in certain situations" or "depending on the situation" can offer subtle shifts in tone or emphasis. Overall, "under some circumstances" serves as a valuable tool for nuanced communication, allowing speakers and writers to convey limitations, qualifications, and dependencies with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in certain situations

This alternative replaces "circumstances" with "situations", offering a more general and less formal tone.

in specific cases

This alternative emphasizes particular instances where something might happen, highlighting individual examples rather than general conditions.

depending on the situation

This phrase underscores the conditional nature of an event, making the outcome reliant on the present scenario.

subject to conditions

This alternative is more formal and highlights that certain pre-requisites need to be met.

given certain factors

This option emphasizes the role of contributing elements that influence the outcome.

conditional on circumstances

This phrase stresses the dependency of an event on existing conditions, highlighting a cause-and-effect relationship.

contingent upon the situation

This alternative suggests that the outcome is not guaranteed and relies heavily on the specifics of the situation.

when specific conditions are met

This option clearly outlines the need for certain criteria to be fulfilled for something to occur.

assuming certain conditions

This phrase introduces a hypothetical element, where the outcome is considered only if specific conditions are true.

provided that the situation allows

This alternative emphasizes the enabling aspect of a situation, suggesting that certain allowances are necessary.

FAQs

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

Use "under some circumstances" to introduce a condition that affects the outcome of a situation. For example, "Under some circumstances, the conference may need to be postponed."

What are some alternatives to "under some circumstances"?

You can use alternatives such as "in certain situations", "in specific cases", or "depending on the situation" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "under some circumstances"?

Yes, being specific is often better. While "under some circumstances" is grammatically correct, providing the specific conditions enhances clarity and strengthens your argument. However, if the specific circumstances are implied in the text or not important to your point, it can be acceptable.

What's the difference between "under some circumstances" and "under certain circumstances"?

The phrases "under some circumstances" and "under certain circumstances" are nearly interchangeable and have the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.