Cool MateIn that case vs Under those circumstances
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
In that case
Top 2,000 (common)
Under those circumstances
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: Under those circumstancesMost common: In that case
| In that case | Under those circumstances | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪn ðæt keɪs//🇺🇸 //ɪn ðæt keɪs// | 🇬🇧 //ˈʌndə ðəʊz ˈsɜːkəmstænsɪz//🇺🇸 //ˈʌndər ðoʊz ˈsɜrkəmstænsɪz// |
| Meaning | If that's true or if that happens | in that situation |
| Example | If you're busy today, in that case, we can meet tomorrow. | Under those circumstances, we must reconsider our strategy. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | in that case, in that case, we should, if that happens, in that case | consider under those circumstances, act under those circumstances, decide under those circumstances |
| Antonyms | - | under different circumstances, in other conditions, in alternate situations |
| Common mistakes | Using it too formally, such as in academic writing., Not using a comma before 'in that case' when necessary., Confusing it with 'in this case' which has a different meaning. | Omitting 'those' and saying 'under circumstances', Using it in informal speech, Confusing it with 'in those circumstances' |
| Usage notes | Used to refer back to a previous statement or situation. Common in both spoken and written English. | Use this phrase when discussing specific conditions. It's preferred in formal writing or speeches but less so in casual conversations. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: In that case vs Under those circumstances
What's the difference between In that case and Under those circumstances?
In that case: If that's true or if that happens Under those circumstances: in that situation
Which is more formal: In that case and Under those circumstances?
Under those circumstances is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: In that case and Under those circumstances?
In that case is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
In that case: If you're busy today, in that case, we can meet tomorrow. Under those circumstances: Under those circumstances, we must reconsider our strategy.
Can I use In that case and Under those circumstances interchangeably?
Not always. In that case and Under those circumstances are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.