circumstance

Everyday

1. Circumstances are the facts or conditions around an event that affect what happens. tree →
2. Someone's circumstances are their situation, especially how much money they have. tree →
3. «Under no circumstances» means never, not at all. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life «in the circumstances» means because of the situation. In safety rules, «under no circumstances should you open the door to strangers» means never do it. In stories, a strange circumstance can be a clue. Phrases: under no circumstances, in the circumstances, under the circumstances, due to circumstances beyond our control.

Examples

• Under no circumstances should you touch the hot oven. tree →
• In the circumstances, you did very well. tree →
• Due to circumstances beyond our control, the trip is cancelled. tree →
• The detective looked at the circumstances of the crime. tree →
• Their circumstances changed when Dad lost his job. tree →
• Every circumstance pointed to the cat as the thief. tree →
• Lots of the people in the Shi’ learned that song by heart, and they applied it to every kind of circumstance. tree →

Note

Usually plural: «circumstances». Both «in the circumstances» and «under the circumstances» are correct. The adjective «circumstantial» describes evidence that suggests but does not prove. «Under no circumstances» is a strong, formal way to forbid something.