on a contingency basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a contingency basis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a condition or provision in a contract that is contingent on something else happening or not happening. For example, "The contract was signed on a contingency basis, meaning that the parties would receive payment only if certain conditions were met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mr. Zhou works on a contingency basis.

The New York Times

"I represent individuals on a contingency basis," he said.

The New York Times

Winston & Strawn took the Hawaii case on a contingency basis.

The New York Times

Lawyers usually take such cases on a contingency basis.

The New York Times

Then the rules changed and lawyers were allowed to act on a contingency basis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Plaintiff lawyers also often work on a contingency basis, receiving a percentage of any awards.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Sometimes, however, employers assign an opening to multiple recruiting firms on what is called a "contingency" basis.

Science Magazine

One lawyer sent a letter that said, "With a cap of $250,000, we are limited in the types of cases we can take on a contingency-fee basis to only those cases that involve catastrophic economic losses".

Forbes

The firm, which has represented Mr. Evans since 1999, said it would continue the legal fight on a partial contingency basis.

The New York Times

Every lawyer I know who practices in this area of maritime injury law works on a strict contingency basis, as I do.

Huffington Post

States frequently engage private attorneys on a contingency fee basis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a contingency basis" to attract clients or partners who might be hesitant to pay upfront fees, as it demonstrates confidence in achieving the desired results.

Common error

Avoid assuming "on a contingency basis" is always beneficial. While it reduces upfront costs, the percentage paid upon success can be significantly higher than standard fees.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a contingency basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the condition under which an action is performed or a payment is made. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a contingency basis" is a very common prepositional phrase used to describe agreements where payment or action depends on a specific outcome. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts, as highlighted by the many examples from The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist. Related phrases include "subject to conditions" and "conditional on success". When using "on a contingency basis", ensure that the triggering conditions are clearly defined, but be mindful that while it lowers upfront costs, final payments can be higher than standard fees. Be wary of assuming it's always a beneficial arrangement. This phrase is professional in register, making it suitable for business and legal discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to conditions

This alternative emphasizes the dependence on specific prerequisites or stipulations.

conditional on success

This phrase specifies that payment or action is dependent on achieving a favorable outcome.

dependent on results

This alternative focuses on the outcome determining the payment or action.

based on outcome

This phrase highlights that the agreement relies on the final result.

contingent upon fulfillment

This alternative stresses that the agreement depends on fulfilling certain requirements.

only if successful

This alternative provides a straightforward condition for payment or action.

depending on the situation

This option underscores that the action changes based on the circumstances.

if and only if

This phrase expresses a strict requirement where a condition must be both necessary and sufficient.

with performance-based compensation

This alternative indicates payment is linked to achieving specific performance targets.

under a success fee arrangement

This phrase specifies that fees are paid only if the desired result is achieved.

FAQs

How is "on a contingency basis" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "on a contingency basis" usually means that a lawyer's fees are paid only if the case is won, and are often a percentage of the settlement or court award.

What are some alternatives to "on a contingency basis"?

You can use alternatives like "subject to conditions", "conditional on success", or "dependent on results" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always advantageous to hire someone "on a contingency basis"?

Not necessarily. While it reduces upfront costs, the final payment, if successful, can be higher than standard fee structures. Consider all financial implications before agreeing.

What does it mean when a service is offered "on a contingency basis"?

It signifies that payment for the service is dependent on a specific outcome or event. If the outcome isn't achieved, no payment is due.