Learn English – Confusion with the phrase ‘Under what circumstances’

constructionexpressions

Below is what is causing me a lot of confusion.

Say, I did a test, and will have to redo it if I get below a certain mark, and I want to pose a question asking what mark it is (Or there might be other reasons that I need to redo the test) Can I say:

  • Under what circumstances/In what situation will I have to resit the test?

However, it is kind of weird and ambiguous if I rearrange the sentence a little, like this;

  • What circumstances will I have to do the test under?
  • I will have to do the test under what circumstances?

It feels like the meaning completely changed from HOW BAD MY MARK HAVE TO BE, to asking THE SET OF CONDITIONS I HAVE TO DO THE TEST IN.

I have looked up some 'under what circumstances' clauses, but all of them seem to be perfectly logical even when rearranged. E.g. Under what circumstances is cheating a crime.

Is the wording of my question awkward/ambiguous? If so how can I make it better?
Or is the question perfectly fine under I rearranged it?

Many thanks

Best Answer

Why say resit ? Can't one take the test standing ?

I shall say as below :

Kindly state the circumstances under which I may have to take the test again ?

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