In particular contexts
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use it to soften a bold claim and protect yourself from being proven wrong by exceptions.
15秒了解
- A 'safety net' phrase used to avoid making absolute, risky claims.
- Limits your statement to specific situations rather than the whole world.
- Common in business, academia, and polite intellectual debates.
- Signals that you are a nuanced and careful thinker.
意思
This phrase is a clever way to avoid making a statement that is 100% absolute. It tells the listener that what you are saying is true only in specific situations, not all the time.
关键例句
3 / 6Giving business advice
In particular contexts, lowering prices can actually hurt your brand image.
In specific situations, dropping prices might damage how people see your brand.
Discussing health habits
In particular contexts, fasting might be beneficial, but check with a doctor.
Depending on the situation, fasting could be good for you.
Academic debate
The theory holds true only in particular contexts of social interaction.
This idea only works in specific types of social settings.
文化背景
This expression stems from the Western academic tradition of 'hedging,' where absolute certainty is viewed as unscientific. It gained massive popularity in corporate and legal English during the late 20th century to avoid liability and sound more objective.
The 'Genius' Effect
Use this when you don't want to say 'it depends.' It sounds 10 times more intelligent and authoritative.
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like you're afraid of your own shadow. Use it once per conversation for maximum impact.
15秒了解
- A 'safety net' phrase used to avoid making absolute, risky claims.
- Limits your statement to specific situations rather than the whole world.
- Common in business, academia, and polite intellectual debates.
- Signals that you are a nuanced and careful thinker.
What It Means
Think of in particular contexts as a safety net for your opinions. It is a way to say, "I'm right, but maybe not everywhere." It narrows down your claim so nobody can prove you wrong with a single exception. It turns a bold, risky statement into a careful, smart observation. You are basically adding a 'terms and conditions' clause to your conversation.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the start or end of a sentence. Use it when you want to look like a deep thinker. Instead of saying "Coffee is bad," you say, "In particular contexts, coffee can be harmful." It makes you sound like you’ve considered every angle. It’s perfect for when you want to disagree without being aggressive. It’s the linguistic version of a polite shrug.
When To Use It
Use it in meetings when a boss asks for your opinion on a risky project. It’s great for academic writing or serious debates. Use it when someone asks for advice that depends on the situation. For example, if a friend asks if they should quit their job. You can say, "In particular contexts, that might be the best move." It keeps you safe if things go wrong later!
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this when you need to be direct or urgent. If the house is on fire, don't say, "In particular contexts, water is helpful." Just grab the hose! Avoid it in very casual settings like a loud bar with close friends. You’ll sound like you’re reading a textbook. Also, don't use it to hide the fact that you simply don't know the answer. People will see through the fluff eventually.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US academia, love 'hedging.' It’s a cultural obsession with being precise and polite. We hate being 'wrong' in public. This phrase became popular as a way to navigate complex social and political topics. It reflects a culture that values nuance over black-and-white thinking. It shows you are educated and aware of the world's complexity.
Common Variations
You might also hear in certain circumstances or depending on the context. Some people say under specific conditions. If you want to be even more formal, try within specific frameworks. These all do the same job: they protect your reputation by limiting your claim. They are the 'fine print' of the English language.
使用说明
This is a high-level (C1) expression. It is most effective in writing or formal speech to demonstrate nuance and avoid overgeneralization.
The 'Genius' Effect
Use this when you don't want to say 'it depends.' It sounds 10 times more intelligent and authoritative.
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like you're afraid of your own shadow. Use it once per conversation for maximum impact.
The Sarcastic Twist
Native speakers often use this formally to describe something obvious for a joke, like 'In particular contexts, water is wet.'
例句
6In particular contexts, lowering prices can actually hurt your brand image.
In specific situations, dropping prices might damage how people see your brand.
Softens a counter-intuitive business claim.
In particular contexts, fasting might be beneficial, but check with a doctor.
Depending on the situation, fasting could be good for you.
Used to give advice without taking full responsibility.
The theory holds true only in particular contexts of social interaction.
This idea only works in specific types of social settings.
Limits the scope of a scientific or social theory.
I mean, in particular contexts, that movie is a masterpiece... like if you're five years old.
That movie is only good in very specific situations.
Uses formal language for a sarcastic, funny effect.
In particular contexts, saying goodbye is the only way to heal.
Sometimes, leaving is the only way to get better.
Adds a layer of thoughtful reflection to an emotional topic.
In particular contexts, staying silent is more powerful than speaking up.
There are times when not saying anything is actually better.
Provides nuanced advice about a tricky social environment.
自我测试
Choose the best phrase to make the statement sound more professional and less aggressive.
___, micromanaging employees can lead to a total loss of productivity.
Using 'In particular contexts' makes the criticism sound like a professional observation rather than a personal attack.
Complete the sentence to show you understand that the situation matters.
Working from home is better for everyone, but only ___.
This acknowledges that while WFH is great, it might not work for every single job or person.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality Scale of 'In Particular Contexts'
Sounds slightly robotic or sarcastic.
In particular contexts, pizza is breakfast.
Good for giving careful advice to friends.
In particular contexts, you should quit.
The 'sweet spot' for this phrase.
In particular contexts, the data is skewed.
Where to use 'In Particular Contexts'
Boardroom Meeting
Softening a critique of a strategy.
University Essay
Limiting the scope of a research finding.
Giving Advice
Suggesting a life change with a disclaimer.
Legal/Official
Defining when a rule applies.
常见问题
10 个问题Not exactly. While sometimes refers to frequency, in particular contexts refers to the specific environment or situation that makes something true.
Yes, but usually only if you're being a bit funny or having a very serious discussion. It might feel too 'heavy' for a casual 'u up?' text.
In a professional setting, yes. It depends can sound lazy, whereas in particular contexts suggests you know exactly which situations you're talking about.
It's flexible! You can put it at the start: In particular contexts, this works. Or at the end: This works in particular contexts.
Usually, yes, because you're implying there's more than one situation where the rule applies. You can say in this particular context if referring to just one.
It is used globally in all major English dialects, especially in professional and academic circles.
If used with friends while eating tacos, maybe. In a job interview, it sounds perfectly professional.
A 'context' is the set of circumstances (the who, what, where, and why) that surround an event or statement.
Yes! It’s a very polite way to say 'You're wrong' by saying 'That only works in particular contexts (but not this one).'
Yes, in particular contexts is slightly more sophisticated than in some cases.
相关表达
Depending on the circumstances
Used when the outcome relies on external factors.
To a certain extent
Used to say that something is partly, but not completely, true.
Case by case
Dealing with each situation individually rather than following a general rule.
Given the parameters
Within the specific limits or rules provided.
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