when circumstances require

USAGE SUMMARY

"when circumstances require" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that certain activities must be done in specific situations. For example, "When circumstances require, additional resources must be made available to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They reflect postponed liquidity and will be monetised when circumstances require, as happened in the second half of 2007.

The Economist

Many derive great benefit from cheap foreign labour that, deliberately unprotected by law, can be criminalised or shoved aside when circumstances require.

The Guardian

The gesture, easy to make when circumstances require it, had no impact on the fate of thousands of other political prisoners held in Chinese jails.

The New York Times

After the bride's father, Richard D. Hailey, marched her down the aisle, Representative Sánchez read from the Bhagavad-Gita, then moved on to the vows: Did the couple promise to stay together when external conditions became less than smooth, when circumstances require that they forgive each other for their shortcomings, and would they work together and show compassion for others who are suffering?

The New York Times

Ultimately, I can "make" you clean your room, or get in the bike seat, or sit quietly through the appointment with the bank when circumstances require that you attend (or at least I can punish you for your failure to do so).

The New York Times

And when circumstances require that I travel farther away (to visit friends or Amoeba Music, or, you know, work on the articles that I was sent out to report), I need only walk the few steps from my door to my car, without having to contend with a parking valet who's spent the last 15 minutes trying to chat up that model lounging in her poolside cabana.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

These talks broke down, however, leaving the impression that the pragmatic Mr Boehner had been overruled by the anti-tax ideologues in his own caucus.Even the sainted Ronald Reagan was willing to raise taxes when circumstances required.

The Economist

The common thread between Penn State, Miramonte and New Birth is that somebody did nothing when circumstances required far more; allowing young people to be abused.

Huffington Post

Quoting historical demographic work, Oppenheimer noted that wives in the past had always worked for pay when circumstances required this.

European Journal of Population

We can only hope to recognize our mistakes and trust that our government will call for national sacrifice when, and only when, the circumstances require it, and when, and only when, we are responding to real threats and not, as was true with Iraq, for the sake of flexing our military might against imagined enemies.

The New York Times

These restraints are lessened when addressing public health concerns, and are essentially set aside when exigent circumstances require immediate action to protect the public health.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when circumstances require" to clearly indicate that an action or decision should only be taken under specific conditions. This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "when circumstances require" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "when needed" or "if necessary" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when circumstances require" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, modifying the main clause by specifying the conditions under which the action in the main clause should occur. As Ludwig AI highlights, this construction serves to introduce a contingency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when circumstances require" is a grammatically correct adverbial clause of condition used to introduce contingency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While applicable across various contexts, it is more prevalent in news and media, science and general online writing. The register is generally neutral to formal. For more informal situations, consider alternatives like "when needed". The frequency is uncommon, suggesting it's not an everyday phrase but valuable for adding precision. Remember to reserve "when circumstances require" for instances where a specific condition genuinely governs an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the situation demands

Replaces 'circumstances' with 'situation' and 'require' with 'demands', offering a slightly more forceful tone.

if the need arises

Uses a more concise and conditional structure to convey the same idea.

as the occasion may warrant

Employs a more formal and nuanced vocabulary, suitable for professional contexts.

should the situation call for it

Introduces a conditional tone using 'should', implying a potential need.

when necessary

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic meaning, focusing on the essential condition.

if required

Condenses the expression into a short, direct conditional statement.

as needed

Offers a straightforward and practical alternative, suitable for instructions or guidelines.

when the time comes

Refers to a point in the future when action becomes necessary.

where applicable

Suitable when describing guidelines that may not always be relevant.

under certain conditions

Focuses on the conditional aspect, highlighting the specific prerequisites.

FAQs

How can I use "when circumstances require" in a sentence?

Use "when circumstances require" to introduce a condition under which a particular action should be taken. For example, "Additional staff will be hired "when circumstances require"."

What are some alternatives to "when circumstances require"?

Alternatives include "when necessary", "if required", or "as needed". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "when circumstances require" formal or informal?

"When circumstances require" leans toward the formal side. In more casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "when needed".

How does "when circumstances require" differ from "if necessary"?

"When circumstances require" is slightly more formal and emphasizes that specific conditions must be met. "If necessary" is a more general and widely applicable alternative.