Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nawee]

Hello,

2 questions in this 1 post.

1. Which preposition do we use with "circumstances"? "In" or "under"? Or there's no difference?

2. Are "suspicious" and "mysterious" circumstances practically the same? Or do they differ in terms of implications/nuances?

Thank you very much,

Nawee

[damon@English24/7]

Hi,

Use "under" with a condition so "He died under mysterious circumstances" would be the correct.

However, use "in" where financial circumstances are concerned like "She found herself in uncertain financial circumstances."

Suspicious would be used in circumstances where you suspected something criminal or dishonest. Mysterious implies something obscure or inexplicable, possibly magical.

I hope that helps.

Damon

[nawee]

Hello,

What about:

"It's ashame we didn't meet [in/under] better circumstances."

I have seen both prepositions used. Which one is correct or more appropriate?

Thank you,

Nawee

[damon@English24/7]

In this case I know that "under" is definately correct. I am not so sure about "in." You are correct that it is frequently used that way--I probably have used it that way myself--but I don`t know the rule that applies here. Maybe someone else can help out.

damon