but one condition

USAGE SUMMARY

"but one condition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to communicate an additional requirement that must be fulfilled before a certain event can take place. For example: "I am willing to lend you the money, but one condition - you have to pay it back within two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But one condition the Sudanese government never signed off on was an outright end to the bombing of civilian targets.

The New York Times

The bailout may have saved G.M., but one condition of the deal was a fifty-per-cent wage cut for new hires.

The New Yorker

Indeed, from a comparison with the results obtained with the original SC system using five-frame stacks in [24], it appears that the modulation spectrum features outperform stacks of five Mel-spectrum features in all but one condition.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

But one condition that didn't make the list is nodding disease.

Huffington Post

He did his time and got out, but one condition of getting out of jail was that he wasn't supposed to play for the Subhumans, but he still does.

Vice

Questcor Pharmaceuticals fell 47.8 percent to $26.35 after Aetna dropped coverage for the company's only product, Acthar Gel, for all but one condition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He is likened to the Bald Man in an Albanian folktale, who is rescued from Hell by an eagle—"but on one condition.

The New Yorker

A conditional hospitality and unconditional hospitality must remain inseparable, self-prescribe, but on one condition: that we can think and machine and Event compatible as two inseparable concepts.

Ethics, Medicine and Public Health

But on one condition -- that this time Turkey get real.

The New York Times

He was determined to try again, but on one condition: he wanted meat.

The New York Times

So Stephen and I would therefore be allowed to go ahead, but on one condition.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but one condition", ensure the condition is clearly and concisely stated immediately after the phrase to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating the condition in an abstract or unclear manner. Instead, provide specific details so that the reader understands exactly what is required. Example: Instead of "but one condition: that it's appropriate", use "but one condition: that it aligns with company policy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but one condition" functions as a conjunction phrase to introduce a specific requirement or stipulation that must be met. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in adding a caveat to an agreement or offer.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but one condition" is a useful phrase for introducing a specific requirement or stipulation. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and usable. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various contexts, including news media and scientific publications. To ensure clarity, it's best to state the condition concisely and specifically. Alternatives like "on the sole condition" and "subject to the proviso that" provide similar meanings but with varying degrees of formality. The phrase functions as a conjunction phrase and serves to set clear boundaries on agreements or promises.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the sole condition

Emphasizes that this is the only condition, making it more restrictive.

with the single stipulation

Highlights that only one stipulation exists, similar to 'sole condition'.

with this one caveat

Introduces the condition as a warning or limitation.

contingent on just one thing

Highlights the dependency on a single factor or condition.

subject to the proviso that

Introduces a formal and legalistic tone, highlighting a stipulation.

dependent on this single provision

Stresses that the outcome relies on a particular provision.

but with this single rider

Adds a formal, almost legalistic, element to the condition.

provided that this one thing is true

Emphasizes the truth or fulfillment of the condition.

only if the following is met

Focuses on meeting a specific requirement for something to occur.

except under this one circumstance

Emphasizes the circumstance as an exception or requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "but one condition" in a sentence?

Use "but one condition" to introduce a specific requirement that must be met for something else to happen. For example, "I'll help you, but one condition: you must finish your homework first."

What phrases are similar to "but one condition"?

Alternatives include "on the sole condition", "subject to the proviso that", or "with the single stipulation". These phrases all introduce a specific requirement or stipulation.

Is it better to use "but one condition" or "but on one condition"?

"But one condition" and "but on one condition" are both acceptable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the rhythm of the sentence. However, "but on one condition" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

How formal is the phrase "but one condition"?

The phrase "but one condition" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "subject to the proviso that" are more explicitly formal.