conditional upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"conditional upon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is dependent on something else. For example: "I will be able to attend the meeting, conditional upon the time being changed to later in the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Citizenship, in modern British rhetoric, is conditional upon the money you bring in.

The Guardian

But a good reference undoubtedly helps, especially if your job offer is conditional upon one.

The Guardian

Export credit agencies, for example, should make their support conditional upon full compliance with the guidelines, and in the future, the rights of investors under investment treaties should be made conditional upon the investors acting in accordance with the guidelines".

The Guardian

Since the 1980s, the attempt to make social assistance conditional upon work has become an "international project".

The Guardian - Opinion

The impressive fee is conditional upon signing a watertight contract which runs to several pages and contains a nondisclosure agreement.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But they emphasized that any financial support would be "conditional upon continuing reform of the gas sector".

The New York Times

Irene's positive outcome was entirely conditional upon having the expert advice and support of a trained advocate.

The Guardian

"Unemployment benefit after a certain period". said Beveridge, should be "conditional upon attendance at a work or training centre".

The Guardian - Opinion

It is often conditional upon their return to obedience and duty within a prescribed period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also declined an offer by Y.& R.'s board to make the acquisition conditional upon his employment in a job of his choosing, the executives said.

The New York Times

The sale, which had been signalled by the two firms in May, is conditional upon approval by GKN shareholders and regulatory clearance.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conditional upon", ensure the condition is clearly stated and easily understood to avoid ambiguity. Precise wording is crucial for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "conditional upon" when the condition is vague or undefined. Always specify the exact circumstances that must be met. For example, instead of saying "Approval is conditional upon review", specify "Approval is conditional upon a thorough review by the ethics committee".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conditional upon" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating that something is dependent on a specific condition being met. Ludwig AI examples show that it's used to express conditions that must be satisfied for something else to occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conditional upon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that expresses dependence on a specific condition. As per Ludwig AI, it is considered correct in written English. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "conditional upon", clarity is key; ensure the condition is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "dependent on" or "subject to" can provide simpler options. With its widespread use and clear function, mastering "conditional upon" enhances precision in formal and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dependent on

Replaces "conditional upon" with a more common and straightforward expression of dependence.

contingent on

Similar to "conditional upon", but slightly more formal and emphasizes the uncertain nature of the condition.

subject to

Indicates that something is liable to be affected by a specific condition or requirement.

reliant on

Highlights the reliance or dependence on a particular factor or condition.

predicated on

A more formal alternative, suggesting that something is founded or based on a specific condition.

hinges on

Emphasizes that the outcome or success of something depends critically on a specific condition.

determined by

Indicates that the outcome is directly decided or influenced by a particular condition.

governed by

Suggests that a condition or rule dictates the outcome or behavior.

based on the condition that

A longer, more explicit way of stating the condition upon which something depends.

provided that

Implies that something will occur only if a specific condition is met.

FAQs

How can I use "conditional upon" in a sentence?

Use "conditional upon" to indicate that an event or action is dependent on a specific requirement. For example, "The funding is conditional upon the project's successful completion".

What's a simpler way to say "conditional upon"?

Alternatives to "conditional upon" include "dependent on", "subject to", or "contingent on". These options are often more direct and easier to understand.

Is it more formal to say "conditional upon" or "dependent on"?

"Conditional upon" tends to be slightly more formal than "dependent on". However, both are acceptable in most formal writing. The choice often depends on the desired tone and audience.

What's the difference between "conditional upon" and "provided that"?

While both phrases introduce a condition, "conditional upon" emphasizes the dependence of an outcome on a condition, whereas "provided that" more directly states a requirement. They are largely interchangeable, but "conditional upon" highlights the consequence more strongly.