given certain conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given certain conditions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or applicable only under specific circumstances or requirements. Example: "The experiment will yield accurate results, given certain conditions are met, such as temperature and pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I think we should say, given certain conditions, it's fine," he said.

The Guardian

In all your studies, what have you learned about people? A. That human nature is more benign and even benevolent given certain conditions.

The New York Times - Science

At another, he wondered aloud whether Mr. Obama had traded the audacity of 2008 for pragmatism in 2010, offering a platform of "Yes we can, given certain conditions".

The New York Times

Many economists consider resource allocation in a free market to be Pareto-efficient, where no one can be made better off without making other individuals worse off, given certain conditions (like the absence of externalities or informational asymmetries, among others).

Encyclopedia Britannica

So I can see why she would become so malicious, given certain conditions — for example, if the only person she has left is the son-in-law who may have caused her beloved daughter's death; if she were to find out how much her daughter had suffered because of that son-in-law; and if that son-in-law were now an invalid.

The New Yorker

"In the period of time when my language was really good, when I had Italian friends, when I had my bus pass, I was, like, if this is what life can be like, given certain conditions, let's aim for this in the future," Muhly says.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It holds only given certain background conditions, such as that weather conditions are normal.

SEP

In other words, what we'd like to know is what level of lending we'd expect to see, given certain economic conditions and a certain level of borrower creditworthiness.

The New Yorker

Falco's one indubitable contribution is to point out that a concave (for example, shaving) mirror acts like a lens and can project an image, given certain lighting conditions.

The New York Times - Books

Given certain regularity conditions, to follow, there exists a threshold productivity level ψ 1, above which self-employed agents intend to recruit.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Second, causal theories of mental content distinguish what has come to be known as natural meaning and non-natural meaning.[3] Cases where an object or event X has natural meaning are those in which, given certain background conditions, the existence or occurrence of X "entails" the existence or occurrence of some state of affairs.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "given certain conditions", clearly state what those conditions are to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying 'The project will succeed given certain conditions', specify 'The project will succeed given certain conditions, such as adequate funding and team collaboration'.

Common error

Avoid using "given certain conditions" without specifying what those conditions are. Vague statements can lead to misinterpretations. Always clarify the specific conditions to ensure clarity and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given certain conditions" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the circumstances under which an action or situation is valid. Ludwig shows this by providing examples from various contexts, demonstrating how it adds a layer of contingency to statements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given certain conditions" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to express contingency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its presence in academic, news, and encyclopedia sources, indicating a tendency toward neutral to formal registers. To use it effectively, always specify the conditions to avoid vagueness. Remember that alternatives like "under specific circumstances" or "subject to specific criteria" can be suitable substitutes depending on the context. Being specific about the conditions is key to clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under specific circumstances

A more concise and direct alternative, emphasizing the situational context.

contingent on particular circumstances

Uses "contingent on" to highlight the dependence on specific events or situations.

dependent on specific factors

Focuses on the influence of particular elements or variables.

subject to specific criteria

Replaces "given" with "subject to" and "conditions" with "criteria", emphasizing adherence to a defined set of standards.

if certain prerequisites are satisfied

Emphasizes the necessity of meeting preliminary requirements.

provided that specific requirements are fulfilled

Highlights the fulfillment of necessary requirements as a condition.

assuming particular circumstances are present

Emphasizes the assumption of specific situations.

in the event that certain criteria are met

Focuses on the occurrence of specific criteria being satisfied.

on the understanding that specific conditions apply

Highlights the importance of understanding the applicability of specific conditions.

depending on the situation

A shorter, more informal alternative, emphasizing situational dependence.

FAQs

How can I use "given certain conditions" in a sentence?

You can use "given certain conditions" to introduce specific requirements or circumstances under which a statement is true. For example, "The experiment will yield accurate results, given certain conditions such as controlled temperature and pressure."

What are some alternatives to "given certain conditions"?

You can use alternatives like "under specific circumstances", "subject to specific criteria", or "contingent on particular circumstances" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific when using "given certain conditions"?

Yes, it is always better to be specific. Instead of saying "given certain conditions", clarify the specific conditions to avoid ambiguity. For example, "given adequate funding and team collaboration" is more precise.

What's the difference between "given certain conditions" and "depending on the situation"?

"Given certain conditions" typically introduces more formal or technical requirements, while "depending on the situation" is more informal and general. The former implies specific, predetermined criteria, whereas the latter suggests a more flexible, context-driven approach.