In these circumstances

You’ll mostly find this phrase at the start of a sentence to set the stage. It acts as a bridge between the problem and the solution. For example, if your flight is canceled and you have to sleep on a terminal floor, you might say, In these circumstances, a cold sandwich feels like a five-star meal. Notice how the phrase explains *why* the sandwich is suddenly so great. You can also use it at the end of a sentence for emphasis. We did the best we could in these circumstances. It’s very flexible! Just remember that it sounds a bit serious. If you’re just deciding between pepperoni or pineapple pizza, it might be a bit much. Unless, of course, the 'circumstances' involve a very angry Italian chef watching you.

This phrase lives in the 'Professional and Academic' neighborhood. It’s the kind of English you’ll hear in a boardroom, a courtroom, or a very serious Netflix documentary. It’s definitely C1 level because it shows you can handle complex logic. In a casual text to a friend, you’d probably just say "given the situation" or "since things are like this." Using in these circumstances while playing video games with your buddies might make you sound like you’ve accidentally swallowed a dictionary. However, if you want to sound persuasive and intelligent in a job interview or a formal email, this is your secret weapon. It makes your reasoning sound objective rather than just emotional.

Imagine you are a travel vlogger. Your camera breaks in the middle of a remote jungle. You might tell your followers, In these circumstances, I'll have to use my phone to finish the video. Or think about a business owner during a recession. They might write an email saying, In these circumstances, we must pause all new hiring. Even in sports, a commentator might say, In these circumstances, a draw is actually a great result for the team. It’s everywhere where people need to justify why they aren't doing the 'usual' thing. It’s the ultimate 'it’s not my fault, it’s the situation' phrase. Just don't use it to explain why you ate your roommate's leftovers. "In these circumstances, the lasagna was calling my name" won't hold up in roommate court.

Use it when you need to sound professional and logical. It’s perfect for business reports when you have to explain why a project is late. It’s great for academic essays when you’re analyzing a historical event. You can also use it in customer service. If a customer is angry because of a delay, saying In these circumstances, we would like to offer you a full refund sounds much more official and soothing than "Sorry, everything is a mess." It’s also useful for news reporting. Journalists love it because it sounds neutral and authoritative. If you want to sound like you’ve got your life together (even if you don't), drop this phrase into your next Zoom meeting.

Avoid this phrase for trivial, everyday hiccups. If you're late because you couldn't find your socks, don't say, In these circumstances, I was delayed. It sounds pompous. Also, avoid it if the 'circumstances' are actually your own fault. If you forgot to study for a test, saying In these circumstances, I failed makes it sound like the universe conspired against you, which might annoy your teacher. It’s for external factors, not personal mistakes. And for the love of all things holy, don't use it in a romantic Tinder bio. "In these circumstances, I am looking for love" sounds like you're searching for a partner because of a tax loophole. Keep it for the serious stuff!

A very common slip-up is saying under these circumstances. While both are technically okay, in is more common for the general state of things, while under often implies a sense of pressure or being forced. Another mistake is forgetting the plural s. It’s almost always circumstances (plural), not circumstance (singular). Why? Because life is rarely complicated by just *one* thing!

Also, don't mix it up with in this case. In this case refers to a specific example or instance, while in these circumstances refers to the environment or conditions.

You might hear given the circumstances, which is slightly more common in modern speech. It’s a bit softer but means the exact same thing. Then there’s under the circumstances, which, as mentioned, adds a tiny bit more 'weight' or pressure to the vibe. If you want to be really fancy, you could say considering the prevailing circumstances, but that’s bordering on 'Victorian ghost' levels of formality. In the US, you might hear people say due to the current situation more often in news broadcasts. If you’re in a hurry, just saying as things stand works too. Each one has a slightly different flavor, like different types of coffee. In these circumstances is the strong, black espresso of the group.

Is it always plural? Usually, yes. It refers to the collection of facts making up the situation. Can I use it for good news? Not really. It almost always carries a slightly negative or challenging tone. Is under these circumstances wrong? No, it’s perfectly fine, but in is often preferred in formal writing. Does it mean 'because'? Sort of, but it’s more about the 'setting' than a direct cause-and-effect. Can I use it in a text? Only if you’re being ironic or talking about something actually serious. Can I say 'at these circumstances'? No, that’s a big no-no. Always in or under. Does it work for history? Yes, it’s great for explaining why a king or president made a specific choice.