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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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condition to be

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "condition to be" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to express a requirement or prerequisite for something to occur, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "The condition to be met for the project to proceed is the approval of the budget."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is the human condition to be divided.

News & Media

The Guardian

It is the human condition to be guarded.

Then, on Monday, the Mariners granted that wish with only the compensation condition to be satisfied.

"He's a player with amazing condition to be a top player.

Jane Sutton said it took several months for Stephen's ultimately fatal condition to be recognised.

News & Media

The Guardian

"She's in no condition to be taken advantage of," Coach Lawrence said.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The writer's classic condition, to be alone in a room, has been cruelly extended here.

News & Media

The New Yorker

This is one reason why Bate wants the condition to be better understood.

I was in no condition to be mingling with such people half-dressed.

News & Media

The New York Times

You have to be in peak physical condition to be among the top competitors.

News & Media

Independent

Historically psychiatrists deemed those with the condition to be untreatable and it was considered a "dustbin diagnosis".

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a state or requirement, consider using more precise language such as "requirement to be met" or "state to be in" instead of the ambiguous phrase "condition to be".

Common error

Do not use "condition to be" when a clearer alternative such as "requirement to be met" or "state to be in" would provide more clarity and precision. Always choose the most specific and unambiguous phrasing.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "condition to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to describe a state, requirement, or prerequisite. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the phrasing is not ideal and can often be replaced with a clearer alternative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Huffington Post

13%

The Economist

1%

Forbes

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "condition to be" is frequently used across various contexts like news, science, and general media, it is not considered grammatically strong. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase can be ambiguous and lacks clarity. Therefore, it's advisable to opt for more precise alternatives such as "requirement to be", "prerequisite to be", or phrases specifying a state such as "state to be in" to enhance clarity and grammatical correctness in writing. Always aim for specificity to avoid ambiguity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "condition to be" for better clarity?

Consider using alternatives such as "requirement to be", "prerequisite to be", or "criteria to be met" depending on the specific context.

Is "condition to be" grammatically correct?

While frequently used, "condition to be" is considered grammatically weak. Ludwig AI suggests that it is better to opt for alternatives that provide better clarity, such as "requirement to be" or "state to be in".

What's the difference between "condition to be" and "requirement to be"?

"Condition to be" is a more generic phrase, while "requirement to be" specifically implies a necessary criterion that must be fulfilled. The latter provides more precision.

When is it appropriate to use "condition to be" in writing?

Although frequently used, it is often better to replace "condition to be" with a more specific phrase. For example, in legal or formal contexts, "terms to be fulfilled" or "stipulation to be satisfied" may be more appropriate.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: