in certain conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

"in certain conditions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to certain situations or circumstances in which something is true or can occur. For example: "You may be eligible for a refund in certain conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both were best in certain conditions: the morning and the evening.

The New York Times

Some of them could also generate the killer gas hydrogen sulphide in certain conditions.

The Guardian

In certain conditions he is able to see the fate of those who have disappeared.

The Guardian - Film

So swapping the tires round has an effect on how they work in certain conditions.

The New York Times

In certain conditions, as when looking at a blue sky, almost everybody can perceive them, and they are normal phenomena.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Barro's caution may apply in certain conditions — say, a highly indebted economy with close to full employment.

The New Yorker

Tirole showed theoretically that such rules may work well in certain conditions, but do more harm than good in others.

The Economist

In certain conditions, tDCS reverses the effect of propranolol.

Behavioural Brain Research

In certain conditions they may sustain hydrodynamic instabilities.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

As such, a given organizational structure fits certain tasks in certain conditions and at certain times.

Forbes

Deflating a ball in certain conditions provides more grip for the quarterback.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in certain conditions", clearly define or imply what those conditions are to avoid ambiguity. Providing specific examples can enhance clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "in certain conditions" as a placeholder for a lack of specific details. Ensure you've thoroughly considered the relevant factors and can articulate them, rather than relying on a vague condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in certain conditions" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating when or under what circumstances the action or statement is valid. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in certain conditions" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce caveats or limitations to statements, indicating that they hold true only under specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While broadly applicable, clarity is enhanced by specifying the conditions whenever possible to avoid ambiguity. This phrase appears frequently in scientific and news media, suggesting a neutral to professional register. For related phrases, consider "under specific circumstances", "in particular situations", or "depending on the situation" to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under specific circumstances

This alternative uses "circumstances" instead of "conditions", emphasizing the situational aspect.

in particular situations

This alternative replaces "conditions" with "situations", highlighting the specific context.

when certain criteria are met

This alternative specifies that certain requirements need to be fulfilled.

depending on the situation

This alternative emphasizes the dependency on the current circumstances.

given specific parameters

This alternative focuses on the specific parameters or limits.

subject to particular terms

This alternative highlights that something is dependent on defined rules.

contingent upon the circumstances

This alternative makes it clear that the result is determined by the situation.

under some circumstances

This version is less specific, suggesting some, but not all, conditions.

when the situation warrants it

This alternative implies that the action is appropriate only when required by the situation.

conditional on certain factors

This emphasizes that certain factors influence the outcome or applicability.

FAQs

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

You can use "in certain conditions" to indicate that a statement is only true under specific circumstances. For example, "This warranty is valid "in certain conditions", such as proper use and maintenance."

What phrases are similar to "in certain conditions"?

Similar phrases include "under specific circumstances", "in particular situations", and "depending on the situation".

Is it better to be specific instead of using "in certain conditions"?

In many cases, being specific is better as it reduces ambiguity. However, "in certain conditions" can be useful when providing an exhaustive list isn't practical or necessary, serving as a general caveat.

What's the difference between "in certain conditions" and "under certain circumstances"?

The phrases "in certain conditions" and "under certain circumstances" are largely interchangeable. "Conditions" may refer more directly to specific requirements, while "circumstances" implies a broader set of situational factors.