but provided that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but provided that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a condition that must be met for something to happen or be true. Example: "You can borrow my car, but provided that you return it by 6 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But provided that is sorted, a return to the Etihad next May should be confirmed post haste.

The Guardian - Sport

But provided that happened, in just the right order, you would get a situation where JBoss Cache would try to evict item X from the Cache - when in fact X wasn't even in the cache any more, and had been removed an instant earlier.

The Guardian

Obviously you have to have an acceptable upstream network connection to make it worth your time, but provided that is the case this solution is quite elegant.

TechCrunch

The enthusiast community will likely whine some at the exclusions, but provided that Microsoft can quickly roll out updates to the code and bring more devices into the fold, the whining should be short-lived.

TechCrunch

In comparison, the information currently available concerning locking (angle-stable) plates is inadequate to enable a firm conclusion but, provided that appropriate soft tissue procedures are carried out early by experienced plastic surgeons, the results of plating are encouraging [2, 15].

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

But, provided that the results weren't ignored, it could enhance employee motivation and engagement, both significant determining factors in business success.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But providing that kind of help could be dicey since the help may be used by other parties to be spun into adverse framing.

Huffington Post

Our results provide evidence that the US may benefit substantially from adopting the AIA post-grant review, but only provided that costs are controlled and that administration and appeals are not allowed to become too costly.

Research Policy

I provided that".

The New Yorker

It does not legalize the drug but provides that seriously ill people caught using marijuana for medical purposes cannot be jailed or be fined more than $100.

The Washington Post

The protection of private property in the Fifth Amendment presupposes that it is wanted for public use, but provides that it shall not be taken for such use without compensation.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but provided that" to introduce a condition that slightly contrasts with the preceding statement. This construction works well when you want to concede a point before setting a specific requirement.

Common error

Avoid using "but provided that" for simple conditions where "if" or "as long as" would suffice. "But provided that" is more appropriate when there's an element of contrast or concession involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but provided that" functions as a conditional conjunction, connecting two clauses where the second clause presents a condition that must be met for the first clause to be true or valid. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but provided that" is a conditional conjunction used to introduce a condition that must be met for a preceding statement to hold true. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for scenarios where a slight contrast or concession is present. For simpler conditions, alternatives like "if" or "as long as" may be more appropriate. Remember to consider the level of formality when choosing between "but provided that" and its more informal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but only if

This alternative is more direct and concise, emphasizing the conditional nature of the statement.

nonetheless, as long as

This alternative is a less formal way to express a condition that must be continuously met.

however, on the condition that

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the specific requirements for the condition to be met.

but with the understanding that

This alternative introduces the condition as a mutual agreement or expectation.

yet only when

This alternative highlights the temporal aspect of the condition, suggesting it's valid during a specific timeframe.

however, subject to

This alternative frames the condition as a limitation or restriction.

nevertheless, assuming that

This alternative concedes a point before introducing the condition, creating a contrast.

yet dependent on

This alternative emphasizes the reliance of the main clause on the condition.

still, contingent upon

This alternative emphasizes the dependence of the main clause on the fulfillment of the condition.

though only in the event that

This alternative specifies the condition as a particular occurrence or possibility.

FAQs

How does "but provided that" differ from "if"?

"If" simply introduces a condition. "But provided that" implies a contrast or concession before the condition is introduced. It's like saying, "This is true, but only if this other thing is also true."

What are some alternatives to "but provided that"?

Depending on the context, you can use "however, on the condition that", "but only if", or "nevertheless, assuming that".

Is "but provided that" formal or informal?

It leans towards the formal side, though it's usable in neutral contexts as well. Simpler constructions like "if" or "as long as" are less formal.

Can I start a sentence with "but provided that"?

While grammatically possible, it's generally better to avoid starting a sentence with "but provided that". It often sounds more natural to integrate it into the second clause of a sentence.