certain conditions apply

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain conditions apply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to the limitations or qualifications that must be met in order to obtain a desired result. For example, "You can get a free gift card if you purchase $25 or more of products, but certain conditions apply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

As always with eyebrow-raising offers, certain conditions apply.

The New York Times

The rain-delay/cancellation policy (certain conditions apply): If one full stadium match is not completed in Ashe Stadium or an entire session is canceled because of inclement weather, tickets can be exchanged for tihose to the current or 2006 Open.

The New York Times

The policy (certain conditions apply): If one full match is not completed in Ashe Stadium or an entire session is canceled because of inclement weather, tickets may be exchanged for another session during the current Open at the box office, or for the 2011 Open by mail only.

The New York Times

WHAT IF IT RAINS The policy (certain conditions apply): If one full match is not completed in Ashe Stadium or an entire session is canceled because of inclement weather, tickets may be exchanged for another session during the current Open at the box office, or for the 2012 Open by mail only.

The New York Times

Certain conditions apply to the operators (mathcal {L}) and (mathcal {M}).

Materials Theory

The recommendation in Japan also includes reducing hyperuricaemia, even in the absence of gout, with lifestyle guidance or drugs if >8 mg/dL (>0.48 mmol/L) and certain conditions apply [ 15].

BMC Nephrology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

People are reluctant to use the word unless certain stereotypical conditions apply…" But, Pinker claims, nothing scientifically speaking is at stake.

SEP

The surface layer can be regarded as an infinitely thin sheet of finite laterally variable conductance, across which certain boundary conditions apply.

Earth, Planets and Space

Food power can only be used effectively if certain structural conditions apply: Scarcity: If demand is high and supply is limited the value of a given commodity increases.

Wikipedia

In the German survey, workers are not only asked whether certain work conditions apply to them, but also, whether this is distressing for them.

BMC Public Health

It is interesting to note that pure wurtzite and zinc-blende nanowires can be grown by changing only the diameter of the nanowires using nanoparticles of different sizes, with certain growth conditions applied [29, 30].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain conditions apply", be prepared to explain what those conditions are to avoid ambiguity. Always clarify the specific conditions either immediately after the phrase or in a clearly linked section.

Common error

Avoid using "certain conditions apply" without specifying what those conditions are. Leaving it vague can frustrate readers and make your statement less credible. Always provide specific details or a clear reference to where the conditions are listed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain conditions apply" functions as a qualifier. It indicates that a statement, offer, or agreement is not universally valid and is subject to specific limitations or requirements. As evidenced by Ludwig, this implies that the presented information holds true only when these pre-defined prerequisites are satisfied.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain conditions apply" is a qualifier used to indicate that a statement or offer is subject to specific limitations or requirements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the phrase itself is concise, it necessitates further clarification to avoid ambiguity. The usage patterns, as seen in Ludwig's examples, show it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. The key takeaway is that while the phrase is a common and accepted way to introduce conditions, it is vital to explicitly state or clearly reference the "certain conditions" to ensure effective communication and avoid misleading the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific conditions apply

Replaces "certain" with "specific", emphasizing the need for precise conditions.

some restrictions apply

Substitutes "conditions" with "restrictions", highlighting the limiting aspect.

certain stipulations are in effect

Uses "stipulations" instead of "conditions" and rephrases as a passive construction, increasing formality.

qualifications must be met

Focuses on the necessity of meeting certain qualifications to fulfill the requirements.

subject to specific criteria

Highlights that the item under discussion relies on specific parameters being respected.

terms and conditions are applicable

Emphasizes the legalistic aspect of the conditions, particularly in commercial contexts.

contingent upon fulfilling requirements

Highlights the conditional nature and requirement to fulfill items.

governed by particular constraints

Emphasizes the presence of constraints that dictate certain actions.

dependent on meeting preconditions

Stresses that meeting certain preconditions or preliminary conditions is compulsory.

provisions are applicable

Provisions refers to requirements that must be met.

FAQs

How do I use "certain conditions apply" in a sentence?

Use "certain conditions apply" to indicate that an offer, rule, or statement is only valid if specific requirements are met. For example: "You can get a discount, but "certain conditions apply"."

What is another way to say "certain conditions apply"?

Alternatives include "specific conditions apply", "some restrictions apply", or "qualifications must be met", depending on the context.

Is it better to list the conditions instead of saying "certain conditions apply"?

In most cases, yes. Providing the specific conditions is clearer and more helpful to the reader. Use ""certain conditions apply"" when a full explanation would be too lengthy or is provided elsewhere.

What does "terms and conditions apply" mean, and how is it different from "certain conditions apply"?

"Terms and conditions apply" is often used in legal or commercial contexts to refer to a comprehensive set of rules and requirements. "Certain conditions apply" is a more general phrase that can refer to any specific limitations or qualifications.