unforeseen circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unforeseen circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected event or situation that affects plans or outcomes. Example: "Due to an unforeseen circumstance, the meeting has been postponed until next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

For the first time he spoke of the need to anticipate "any unforeseen circumstance" that might prevent him from continuing as president.

The Economist

For her petition to be granted, Miller would have to prove she's got an "injury, illness or other unforeseen circumstance" that keeps her from competing.

The New York Times - Sports

VM, London Endsleigh's website promises cover for trips cancelled due to an "unforeseen circumstance", but it seems yours doesn't tick the right boxes.

The Guardian - Money

The unforeseen circumstance is the illness of Florentino Contreras, Contreras's 80-year-old father, who was admitted to a hospital in Cuba last week.

The New York Times - Sports

"Companies are not saying, 'It's O.K. to stay at the Ritz.' They are keeping a very keen eye on expenses because of any unforeseen circumstance," said Henry H. Harteveldt, a vice president and principal analyst at Forrester Research.

The New York Times

"After four years of waiting, any additional unforeseen circumstance, irrespective of its merit or cause, places an extraordinary burden on those fighting to be part of a new New York," he added, referring to one of Mr. Cuomo's campaign slogans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Barring unforeseen circumstances, I promised, I'd be there.

The New Yorker

Unforeseen circumstances combined with some bad choices put me there.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some major championships are lost on account of unforeseen circumstances.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet through unforeseen circumstances, pitching to a beat all his own, Soriano has earned the money.

The New York Times - Sports

Both sides expect that, barring unforeseen circumstances, Ms. Kagan will be confirmed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unforeseen circumstance", consider if a more specific term would provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of saying "Due to an unforeseen circumstance, the project was delayed", specifying the circumstance (e.g., "Due to a sudden equipment malfunction, the project was delayed") enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "unforeseen circumstance" as a blanket excuse without further elaboration. While it acknowledges an issue, it lacks transparency. Always provide context or details to maintain credibility and trust with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unforeseen circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence, or as part of a prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples where it modifies or is modified by other parts of speech.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unforeseen circumstance" is a noun phrase used to describe an unexpected event or situation. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While appropriate for both formal and informal communication, it's crucial to provide specifics rather than using it as a vague explanation. Consider alternatives like "unexpected situation" or "unpredicted event" for subtle variations in meaning. The phrase is best used when acknowledging a disruption and providing context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected situation

Replaces 'circumstance' with 'situation', emphasizing the state of affairs.

unpredicted event

Substitutes 'unforeseen' with 'unpredicted' and 'circumstance' with 'event', highlighting the lack of anticipation.

unanticipated problem

Focuses on a negative aspect, replacing 'circumstance' with 'problem'.

surprise development

Emphasizes the element of surprise and the unfolding nature of the event.

chance occurrence

Highlights the accidental nature of the event.

contingency

A more formal term for a possible future event or circumstance that cannot be predicted with certainty.

unexpected twist

Implies a sudden change in a situation, often in a narrative context.

unforeseeable eventuality

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "unforeseen circumstance".

an act of God

Refers to an event outside of human control, often with catastrophic implications.

unplanned incident

Focuses on the lack of planning or intention behind the event.

FAQs

How can I use "unforeseen circumstance" in a sentence?

You can use "unforeseen circumstance" to explain unexpected disruptions or changes. For example: "Due to an "unforeseen circumstance", the meeting has been postponed" or "The company had to adapt to an "unforeseen circumstance" in the market".

What are some alternatives to "unforeseen circumstance"?

Alternatives include "unexpected situation", "unpredicted event", or "unanticipated problem", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What's the difference between "unforeseen circumstance" and "unforeseeable circumstance"?

"Unforeseen circumstance" and "unforeseeable circumstance" are very similar. "Unforeseen" implies that something was not seen or anticipated, while "unforeseeable" suggests it was impossible to predict or anticipate. The latter emphasizes a higher degree of unpredictability.

Is it appropriate to use "unforeseen circumstance" in formal writing?

Yes, "unforeseen circumstance" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure it's not used as a vague excuse. Providing specific details enhances clarity and maintains professionalism. Consider alternatives like "unexpected situation" if a less direct term is preferred.