Under certain conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Under certain conditions" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically is used to refer to specific conditions that must be met in order for something to take place. For example, "Under certain conditions, the loan can be extended up to five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Under certain conditions, it might even come true.

Independent

"Under certain conditions, I always believe in talking," Mr. Obama told the newspaper.

The New York Times

Under certain conditions it shunts blood away from the lungs, keeping it circulating around the body.

The New York Times - Science

Under certain conditions we can modify our hypothesis.

Advances in Difference Equations

Under certain conditions, they obtained blow-up criteria.

Boundary Value Problems

Under certain conditions, the plastic cover of the charger's exchangeable plug could come loose and separate.

TechCrunch

Under certain conditions, nutrient-laden river waters flowing into the ocean trigger huge algal bloom.

Huffington Post

Under certain conditions cormorants are known to forage co-operatively.

Plosone

Under certain conditions, ablated mice had focal neocortical scars.

ASN Neuro

Under certain conditions, however, ARHI can induce tumor dormancy.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Universities and similar institutions can get it for $122,000 under certain conditions.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under certain conditions", clearly state what those conditions are to avoid ambiguity. This makes your writing more precise and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "under certain conditions" without specifying what those conditions actually are. For example, instead of saying "The project will succeed under certain conditions", specify "The project will succeed under certain conditions, such as sufficient funding and skilled personnel".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under certain conditions" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause by specifying the circumstances in which an action or event occurs. Ludwig shows examples in science, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Independent

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under certain conditions" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express contingency, meaning something is dependent on specific circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts like news, science, and formal communications. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the conditions to avoid vagueness and improve clarity. Alternatives include "conditional on" and "contingent upon", offering similar meanings. Be mindful of the context to select the most fitting alternative. The phrase is found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Under particular circumstances

This emphasizes that specific circumstances influence the outcome, similar to "under certain conditions".

If certain conditions are met

This explicitly states the requirement for conditions to be satisfied.

Contingent upon

This alternative emphasizes the uncertain nature of the outcome, relying on specific factors.

On the condition that

This version stresses that something will only occur if a specific requirement is satisfied.

Given specific circumstances

This phrase highlights the importance of particular conditions being present.

Conditional on

This offers a more concise way to express dependence on certain factors.

Subject to specific stipulations

This alternative emphasizes the presence of particular rules or requirements that must be met.

Provided that certain criteria are fulfilled

This alternative explicitly mentions the need to meet specific standards.

Depending on the situation

This phrase shifts the focus to how the outcome varies based on different circumstances.

Assuming specific parameters are in place

This alternative highlights the necessity of particular parameters being established or effective.

FAQs

How can I use "Under certain conditions" in a sentence?

You can use "under certain conditions" to introduce a requirement or limitation. For example, "The software is free to use "under certain conditions", such as for non-commercial purposes".

What phrases are similar to "Under certain conditions"?

Similar phrases include "conditional on", "contingent upon", or "depending on the situation", all of which indicate a dependence on specific circumstances.

Is it better to use "Under certain circumstances" or "Under certain conditions"?

While both phrases are similar, "circumstances" refers to the overall situation, whereas "conditions" refers to specific requirements that must be met. Use ""under certain conditions"" when specific prerequisites are involved.

What does it mean when something happens "Under certain conditions"?

When something happens ""under certain conditions"", it means it is not guaranteed and relies on specific circumstances being in place for it to occur.