condition precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

"condition precedent" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a requirement that must be fulfilled before a contract or agreement can be enforced. For example, "The completion of the payment was a condition precedent for the delivery of the goods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The confirmation constitutes a conditional debt of the banker, i.e. a debt subject to the condition precedent that the seller tenders the specified documents.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

'Payment of tax—(a) Condition precedent to doing business.

Cornell University

Supermajority Consent was a condition precedent to closing waivable by KAR.

Harvard University

Although not the majority, some public interest employers view federal court clerkships as a condition precedent.

Harvard University

That issue, seemingly a condition precedent to reversal, the Court avoids.

Cornell University

It is a condition precedent of the deal that there will be no US objection.

The Guardian

But the condition precedent to both these businesses is exactly the same.

Harvard Business Review

An arraignment normally, however, affords an opportunity of the accused to plead, as a condition precedent to a trial.

Cornell University

Indeed, even conviction does not necessarily effect his expatriation, for dishonorable discharge is the condition precedent to loss of citizenship.

Cornell University

The last sentence providing that conviction should not be a condition precedent to removal from office was omitted as unnecessary.

Cornell University

A state may not require a local occupation license, in addition to that federally granted, as a condition precedent to the use of its waters.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the description of the condition is precise and objective to avoid litigation over whether the condition was actually satisfied.

Common error

Do not use "condition precedent" to describe an event that terminates an existing duty. That is a "condition subsequent". A "condition precedent" triggers the commencement of a duty, while a subsequent one ends it.

Linguistic Context

In linguistic terms, "condition precedent" functions as a complex noun phrase where the adjective follows the noun (post-positive), a common feature in Law French. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to denote an event that must occur to trigger a legal obligation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

65%

Formal & Business

25%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "condition precedent" is a foundational term in legal and professional English. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and high frequency, particularly in academic and formal business settings. It is used to describe a mandatory requirement that must be fulfilled before a contract or agreement becomes enforceable. Unlike a "condition subsequent", which ends an obligation, a "condition precedent" is the gatekeeper that allows an obligation to begin. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various sectors, from international trade at the FAO to high-stakes corporate mergers and constitutional law at Harvard. When using this term, ensure that the condition being described is explicit and attainable to maintain the integrity of the underlying agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prerequisite

Acts as a more general synonym applicable outside of legal contracts

precondition

Focuses on the state that must exist beforehand rather than the legal clause itself

suspensive condition

Civil law equivalent describing a condition that suspends the obligation until met

stipulation

Broadens the meaning to any specific requirement within an agreement

proviso

Refers specifically to a clause that introduces a condition or limitation

contingency

Emphasizes the uncertainty of the event upon which the agreement depends

mandatory requirement

Uses more descriptive, plain English to explain the necessity of the condition

prior condition

Redundant but descriptive variation often used for clarity in informal contexts

essential requirement

Highlights the necessity of the condition for the validity of the contract

qualifying event

Often used in insurance or employment contexts to trigger a specific benefit

FAQs

How to use "condition precedent" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a requirement in an agreement, such as: "The board's approval is a "condition precedent" to the final execution of the merger."

What can I say instead of "condition precedent"?

Depending on your context, you can use terms like "prerequisite", "precondition" or "suspensive condition".

What is the difference between "condition precedent" and "condition subsequent"?

A "condition precedent" must happen before a duty arises, whereas a "condition subsequent" is an event that happens after a duty has started and releases a party from further performance.

Is "condition precedent" only used in law?

While it is primarily a legal term of art, it is frequently used in business, finance and high-level academic discourse to describe any absolute requirement that must be met before a following event can take place.