conditional yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conditional yes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate agreement or approval that is dependent on certain conditions being met. Example: "I can give you a conditional yes, but only if you can guarantee that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He characterized the recommendation as "a conditional yes".

The New York Times

Asked if he would sign legislation based on a bipartisan Senate plan, Mr. Bush offered a conditional yes.

The New York Times

STEVEN: It was a conditional yes.

Huffington Post

So the question at this point becomes "Is the Senate compromise better than nothing?" For me, the answer is a conditional "yes" at this point (still waiting to see those details...)...

Huffington Post

An initial study published in 2002 suggested the answer was a conditional yes.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

The New York Times

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

The Guardian - Music

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.

The New York Times - Arts

Alice: Yes, yes.

Health & Justice

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes.

Vice

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conditional yes" when you want to express agreement, but only if certain conditions are met. Be clear about what those conditions are to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "conditional yes" without clearly specifying the conditions. If the conditions are unclear or undefined, your agreement may be misinterpreted or rendered meaningless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conditional yes" primarily functions as a noun phrase that qualifies the type of agreement being given. As Ludwig explains and exemplifies, it represents an affirmation that is dependent on specific conditions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conditional yes" is a phrase used to express agreement that is dependent on specific conditions. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable, although not extremely common. It is found in various contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific sources, highlighting its utility in expressing qualified agreement in negotiations, reports or professional discussions. To ensure clarity, always clearly specify the conditions attached to your agreement, to avoid misunderstandings. Alternative phrases such as "qualified approval" and "provisional agreement" can be used to convey a similar meaning with perhaps a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Qualified approval

This term directly indicates that the approval is subject to certain conditions or qualifications.

Provisional agreement

This highlights that the agreement is temporary or subject to further confirmation or conditions.

Tentative affirmation

This suggests a hesistant or uncertain agreement, pending the fulfillment of specific requirements.

Yes, but with reservations

This directly states the agreement alongside the existence of specific reservations.

Agreement with conditions

This specifies that the agreement is contingent upon meeting certain preconditions.

Guarded assent

This implies a cautious or restrained agreement, often due to lingering concerns or doubts.

Circumscribed approval

This emphasizes that the approval is limited or restricted in scope or application.

Contingent acceptance

This denotes that the acceptance is dependent on the occurrence of certain events or conditions.

Hesitant consent

This suggests that the consent is given reluctantly or with some degree of uncertainty.

Subject to stipulations

This clarifies that the agreement is bound by specific requirements or stipulations that must be satisfied.

FAQs

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

You can use "conditional yes" to express agreement that depends on certain conditions. For example, "I can give you a "conditional yes", but only if you guarantee the project's completion on time."

What's a more formal way to say "conditional yes"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "qualified approval" or "provisional agreement". These alternatives convey a similar meaning of agreement with conditions.

Is "conditional yes" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "conditional yes" is acceptable in professional contexts when you need to express agreement that is contingent upon certain factors. Always ensure that the conditions are clearly stated.

What's the difference between "conditional yes" and a straight "yes"?

A straight "yes" indicates full and unconditional agreement. A "conditional yes", on the other hand, means you agree only if certain requirements or stipulations are met. For instance, you might offer a "conditional yes" to a proposal, requiring specific modifications before fully committing.