it was contingent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was contingent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was dependent on certain conditions or circumstances. Example: "The success of the project was contingent on securing adequate funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But the deal went nowhere because it was contingent on the Anthony trade going through.

The New York Times - Sports

Tribune has terminated that sale because it was contingent on the merger with Sinclair.

The New York Times

It wasn't an involuntary, arbitrary handing-over of things to Thabo; it was contingent on the political process.

Independent

Takatsu had agreed to the deal Wednesday, but it was contingent on his passing a physical yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

In turn, since the development of Dvorak mimicked crucial features of QWERTY, it was contingent on QWERTY winning the standards battle, but by then lock-in had occurred.

Research Policy

It was contingent on Dickey's signing an extension with the Blue Jays, and the league granted them a 72-hour window Saturday to negotiate it.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But if the universe can cease to exist, it is contingent and requires an explanation for its existence (Reichenbach, chap. 5).

SEP

It is contingent.

Harvard Business Review

It is contingent on the percentage".

The New York Times

"But it's contingent on Saab meeting various commitments".

The New York Times

Recognition is most powerful when it's contingent.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was contingent", ensure the condition upon which something depends is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The deal was contingent on the approval of the board."

Common error

Avoid using "it was contingent" without specifying what it was contingent on. Always clarify the condition that needed to be met to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying "The project was contingent", say "The project was contingent on securing funding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was contingent" functions as a statement of conditionality. It indicates that a particular outcome or event is dependent on another event or condition being met. Ludwig AI confirms its use in expressing dependencies in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was contingent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is dependent on specific conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly state the condition to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "it depended on" or "it was conditional" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in formality. Be sure to clarify the condition being referenced when using the phrase to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was conditional on

More explicit about the presence of conditions.

it was dependent on

A more common and slightly less formal way to express contingency.

it was subject to

Highlights the subjection to certain criteria.

it depended on

Changes the structure to a more direct statement of dependence.

it hinged on

Emphasizes the critical importance of the condition.

it was provisional on

Suggests a temporary or conditional arrangement.

it relied upon

Formal synonym emphasizing reliance.

it required

Emphasizes the necessity of fulfilling a requirement.

it was qualified by

Indicates that the statement is true only under certain qualifications.

it presupposed

Focuses on the idea that something was assumed beforehand.

FAQs

How can I use "it was contingent" in a sentence?

Use "it was contingent" to indicate that something depended on a specific condition or event. For example, "The sale of the house "it was contingent" on the buyer obtaining financing."

What's a more formal way to say "it was contingent"?

A more formal alternative is "it was conditional", which also emphasizes the dependence on a specific condition. For instance, "The agreement it was conditional on regulatory approval."

What can I say instead of "it was contingent"?

You can use alternatives like "it depended on", "it hinged on", or "it relied upon" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was contingent of" instead of "it was contingent on"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "contingent" in this context is "on". Therefore, "it was contingent on" is the correct form.