under these circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

'under these circumstances' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which the given conditions are making it difficult to succeed or do something. For example: "It was near impossible to reach a compromise under these circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But not under these circumstances.

The New York Times

Under these circumstances, isn't Colorado more deserving?

The New York Times - Sports

Under these circumstances, whites frequently deflate.

The New York Times

"Leaving under these circumstances is a shame".

The Guardian

Reconciliation under these circumstances will never happen".

The Guardian - Books

What should investors do under these circumstances?

The New York Times

" 'Want' is less clear under these circumstances".

The New York Times - Style

"We want to work, but not under these circumstances".

The New York Times

But living under these circumstances was starting to wear thin.

The New York Times

Democracy, as a meaningful proposition, is impossible under these circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

How long would it last under these circumstances?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under these circumstances" to introduce a logical consequence or a necessary action dictated by the specific conditions. This helps to create a clear cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

Be precise about which circumstances you're referencing. Saying "under these circumstances" without clear context leaves the reader guessing, weakening your argument. Always ensure the relevant conditions are explicitly stated or easily inferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under these circumstances" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing context or condition. It introduces the specific conditions that affect the action or situation being described. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under these circumstances" is a common and versatile prepositional phrase used to provide context or conditions influencing a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. With high usage in news, encyclopedias and scientific articles, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, clarity is key: always ensure that the "circumstances" are well-defined to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "given the situation" or "in light of the current conditions" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the current conditions

This alternative emphasizes the temporal aspect of the circumstances.

given the situation

This phrase focuses on the existing conditions, emphasizing the context affecting a decision or action.

in light of the situation

This alternative highlights the importance of considering the current circumstances before proceeding.

given these factors

This phrase points out that the decision is conditional to a number of elements that needs consideration.

considering the conditions

This phrase emphasizes the importance of the surrounding environment or influencing factors.

taking into account the circumstances

This alternative stresses the need to evaluate the factors at hand.

in view of these facts

It stresses that specific facts must be considered.

with these considerations

It put emphasis to the elements that someone would evaluate before doing something.

in the present context

This focuses on the immediate setting and how it affects the situation.

in such a case

This is a more concise and general way of referring to a specific set of conditions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "under these circumstances" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "in light of the foregoing", "given the aforementioned conditions", or "considering the prevailing situation". These phrases provide a similar meaning but are more suitable for academic or professional writing.

What's a simpler way to say "under these circumstances"?

Simpler alternatives include phrases like "given the situation", "in this case", or "as things stand". These options are easier to understand and can be more appropriate for casual conversation or less formal writing.

Is it ever incorrect to use "under these circumstances"?

While grammatically correct, using "under these circumstances" can be inappropriate if the circumstances are not clearly defined or understood by the audience. Ensure clarity by providing sufficient context or choosing a more specific phrase.

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

While similar, "under these circumstances" generally refers to a broader set of factors and situations, while "in these conditions" often points to more specific, measurable factors or states. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey, however alternatives like "in these circumstances" or "under those circumstances" can work too.