what circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "what circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase anytime you want to ask about the details of a particular situation. For example: "Could you tell me what circumstances led to this outcome?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can under what circumstances?

The New York Times

In what circumstances?

The New York Times

Under what circumstances are they carried out?

The New York Times

In what circumstances can you claim compensation?

Independent

Under what circumstances?" "It doesn't matter".

The New Yorker

If so, under what circumstances?

Columbia University

If "yes," under what circumstances?

The New York Times

What circumstances might induce innovation?

The New York Times

Under what circumstances do you thrive?

University of California, Berkeley

Under what circumstances did they willingly convert?

Princeton University

What circumstances created this squall line?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what circumstances", ensure the context clearly indicates the event or outcome you are inquiring about. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your question is well-understood.

Common error

Ensure that the circumstances you are referring to are clearly defined. Avoid using "what circumstances" in a way that leaves the reader wondering what specific situation you're asking about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what circumstances" functions as an interrogative phrase, typically used to introduce a question that seeks to identify the specific conditions or events that influence a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in questions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what circumstances" is a versatile and commonly used interrogative phrase employed to inquire about the specific conditions or events surrounding a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely applicable in English writing. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reports and academic discussions to general inquiries, though it appears most frequently in news and media, scientific publications, and academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the event or outcome you are inquiring about to avoid ambiguity. Consider /s/under+what+conditions or /s/in+what+situation as alternatives to add variety to your writing. Understanding the nuances and proper usage of "what circumstances" can greatly enhance clarity and precision in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under what conditions

Replaces "circumstances" with "conditions", emphasizing specific requirements or prerequisites.

in what situation

Uses "situation" to highlight the specific context or scenario.

under what conditions and terms

Adds emphasis on "terms", it includes the particular requirements or stipulations.

given what factors

Focuses on the contributing elements or influences.

considering what events

Emphasizes specific occurrences or happenings.

taking into account what aspects

Highlights the elements to be considered.

depending on what variables

Focuses on elements that are subject to change or variation.

based on what criteria

Emphasizes the standards or benchmarks used for evaluation.

subject to what limitations

Highlights constraints or restrictions.

contingent on what elements

Emphasizes the reliance or dependence on certain components.

FAQs

How can I use "what circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use "what circumstances" to inquire about the specific conditions or events that lead to a particular situation. For example, "Under "what circumstances" would a company decide to downsize?"

What's a more formal way to ask about "what circumstances"?

In a more formal context, you could ask "Under what conditions" or "In what situation". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while still seeking information about the specific factors involved.

How does "what circumstances" differ from "what are the reasons"?

"What circumstances" focuses on the specific situational factors, while "what are the reasons" /s/what+are+the+reasons focuses on the motivations or justifications behind an action or event. The former is about the environment; the latter is about intent.

Is it correct to use "under what circumstances" or just "what circumstances"?

Both "under what circumstances" and "what circumstances" are grammatically correct. "Under what circumstances" is more common and emphasizes the conditions or context surrounding an event. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.