volatile circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "volatile circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unstable or subject to rapid change, often with unpredictable outcomes. Example: "In a volatile circumstance like this, we must remain adaptable and ready to respond to any sudden developments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In addition, nearly 900 permit holders were convicted of drunken driving, a potentially volatile circumstance given the link between drinking and violence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The union last struck the city's commercial buildings in 1996, under volatile circumstances.

The New York Times

UNDER far less volatile circumstances, Hollywood's influence on public life was underscored the other day by the Bronx's own Supreme Court justice, Sonia M. Sotomayor.

The New York Times

In another year, under less volatile circumstances, Rutgers's 30-27 defeat of No. 2 South Florida on Thursday night might have carried more shock value.

The New York Times

It's quite clear that in these very, very volatile circumstances after the overthrow of Morsi, Mubarak's release will be interpreted as a political and not a judicial move.

The Guardian

"We stand by our assertion that officers acted responsibly and professionally during the riot and believe our officers made reasonable decisions during extremely volatile circumstances," Sternbeck wrote recently, in an e-mail.

The New Yorker

Both a response to and a reflection of the volatile circumstances that surrounds it, Changa Tuki is often associated with crime and delinquency.

Vice

Falling on the right side of the law in volatile circumstances is crucial to both legitimizing the work Shomrim does and combating the critics who accuse the group of vigilantism.

Vice

Falling on the right side of the law in volatile circumstances is crucial to both legitimising the work Shomrim does and combatting the critics who accuse the group of vigilantism.

Vice

The renewed Global Strategy for Women's, Children's, and Adolescent's Health launched in September 2015, identifies fragile settings as one of its nine priorities, and calls on all humanitarian and development actors to work better together and increase their efforts to build health and resilience among the women, children, and adolescents living in volatile circumstances.

Huffington Post

Many proposed resuscitative therapies for cardiac arrest and trauma will require the earliest possible intervention and would occur under volatile circumstances, making true informed consent for clinical trials unfeasible.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "volatile circumstance", be specific about the factors contributing to the instability. Providing context helps your audience understand the potential risks and implications.

Common error

While "volatile circumstance" is grammatically correct, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "unstable situation" or "precarious condition" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "volatile circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, where 'volatile' modifies 'circumstance'. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It commonly describes situations characterized by instability and unpredictability, as demonstrated in examples provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "volatile circumstance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe unstable and unpredictable situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Related phrases include "unstable situation" and "precarious condition". When using "volatile circumstance", be specific about the factors contributing to the instability. While correct, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms for variety. This phrase is particularly apt when highlighting the dynamic and potentially hazardous nature of a given scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unstable situation

Emphasizes the lack of stability in the situation.

precarious condition

Highlights the potential for danger or collapse.

unpredictable environment

Focuses on the lack of predictability in the surrounding conditions.

tumultuous state

Suggests a state of great disturbance, confusion or disorder.

hazardous situation

Highlights the dangerous or risky nature of the situation.

crisis situation

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the event.

explosive atmosphere

Implies a situation ready to escalate or erupt suddenly.

sensitive situation

Highlights the need for careful handling due to potential instability.

dicey situation

Conveys a sense of risk and uncertainty informally.

treacherous situation

Focuses on the deceitful and unreliable nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "volatile circumstance" to describe situations prone to sudden changes or instability. For example: "Navigating the company through this "volatile circumstance" required strong leadership."

What can I say instead of "volatile circumstance"?

You can use alternatives like "unstable situation", "precarious condition", or "unpredictable environment" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "volatile circumstance" or "volatile situation"?

Both "volatile circumstance" and "volatile situation" are correct, but they might imply slightly different nuances. "Circumstance" often refers to a specific set of conditions, while "situation" is more general.

What's the difference between "volatile circumstance" and "turbulent situation"?

"Volatile circumstance" suggests a situation is unstable and prone to sudden change, while "turbulent situation" implies a more active and disruptive state. A "turbulent situation" often involves conflict or disorder more directly.