circumstances

Everyday

1. The facts or conditions that affect a situation or an event. tree →
2. The money and living conditions a person has (in difficult circumstances). tree →
3. «Under no circumstances»: never, not at all. tree →
4. «Under/In the circumstances»: because of what has happened. tree →

In the lessons

Used in safety rules (under no circumstances touch the wire), stories and news (the circumstances of the accident). Formal. Phrases: «under no circumstances», «in the circumstances», «due to circumstances beyond our control», «in these circumstances».

Examples

• Under no circumstances should you open the door to a stranger. tree →
• Due to circumstances beyond our control, the trip is cancelled. tree →
• In the circumstances, you did very well. tree →
• The police are looking into the circumstances of the crash. tree →
• The family lives in difficult circumstances. tree →
• In some circumstances, you may need to call 999. tree →
• The same measures will not suit all circumstances. tree →

Note

Usually plural. «Under» and «in» both work: «under/in the circumstances». «Under no circumstances» = never; it is followed by question order: «Under no circumstances should you…». Adjective «circumstantial» (circumstantial evidence = indirect clues).