on certain terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on certain terms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing conditions or stipulations that must be met for an agreement or arrangement to be valid. Example: "The contract was signed on certain terms that both parties had agreed upon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Warner agreed but insisted on certain terms.

Harvard University

We began the process in this manner and subsequently introduced restrictions on certain terms to improve the search specificity.

Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia (English Edition)

Among other features, Northern Mandarin is known for widespread rhotacization of codas and rhotic suffixes on certain terms, a process known as erhuayin.

University of Chicago

Algorithms can identify a lot about callers and their moods from how they speak, and they can also now identify callers accents based on certain terms they use and how they pronounce certain words.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Here one can see Falaquera's focus on understanding the meaning of certain equivocal terms in Scripture; on explicating certain ambiguous terms; on providing scientific explanations of certain terms; on pointing out that certain verses must be taken metaphorically; and on suggesting the inner meaning ('inyan penimi) when appropriate.

SEP

Here's a few from Spanish, German and French: There is a bemusement, bordering on polite disdain, among international linguists on the globalisation of certain terms, particularly selfie.

The Guardian

Interim president of Washington State University, Daniel J. Bernardo, released a public statement saying the institution deeply values the tenets of freedom of expression and that professors are banned from placing blanket restrictions on the use of certain terms.

Independent

Other companies, however, have started using the service to help them figure out what they should pay for search ads, based on the likely popularity of certain terms.

The New York Times

The company also introduced Google Trends, a way to see how often people are searching for certain terms on its site and where in the world those searches are popular.

The New York Times - Tech

Says Jon C. Avina, 29, a lawyer at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati: "I was told to look out for certain terms on deals like 'ratchets' but I'd never seen them in practice until the recent downturn in the market".

Forbes

The commission members viewed television footage that was not broadcast, and brought in Spanish language experts to write a report on the way certain terms are used and perceived in different cultures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on certain terms", ensure that the specific terms are clearly defined elsewhere in your writing or are understood by your audience to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "on certain terms" as a placeholder for undefined conditions. Always clarify what those specific terms are to maintain clarity and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on certain terms" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the conditions under which an action is performed or an agreement is valid. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in specifying conditions for agreements and rehabilitations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on certain terms" is a prepositional phrase used to specify conditions or stipulations for an agreement or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its common usage in academic, news, and scientific contexts. While relatively infrequent, its precision makes it a valuable tool for clear and conditional communication. To enhance clarity, it is advised to explicitly state the terms whenever possible. Understanding its function and potential alternatives, such as "under specific conditions", allows for more effective and nuanced writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under specific conditions

Replaces 'terms' with 'conditions' and 'certain' with 'specific', emphasizing the particular nature of the stipulations.

subject to particular stipulations

Uses 'stipulations' instead of 'terms', adding a layer of formality and emphasizing the binding nature of the conditions.

with defined qualifications

Focuses on the 'qualifications' aspect, highlighting the specific attributes or criteria that must be met.

given specified provisions

Emphasizes the 'provisions' or clauses that are laid out as part of an agreement.

based on agreed-upon criteria

Highlights the 'criteria' that serve as the foundation for the agreement, suggesting a more structured or measurable set of conditions.

contingent upon explicit clauses

Stresses the 'contingent' nature, meaning the agreement is dependent on the fulfillment of the 'clauses'.

on stated arrangements

Emphasizes the formal, 'stated' nature of the arrangements, suggesting a clear and documented set of terms.

according to precise specifications

Highlights the 'precise specifications', indicating a high degree of accuracy and detail in the terms.

depending on particular factors

Focuses on the 'factors' that influence the agreement, suggesting that the terms are variable based on circumstances.

within established parameters

Highlights that the agreement will work within established boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "on certain terms" in a sentence?

You can use "on certain terms" to indicate that an agreement or action is conditional. For example, "The deal was approved "on certain terms" that both parties had agreed upon."

What is a more formal alternative to "on certain terms"?

A more formal alternative would be "subject to specific stipulations" or "contingent upon explicit clauses", which are suitable for legal or business contexts.

Is it better to specify the terms instead of using "on certain terms"?

Specifying the terms directly is generally preferable for clarity. However, "on certain terms" is useful when the full details are provided elsewhere or are commonly understood.

How does "on certain terms" differ from "under certain conditions"?

"On certain terms" and "under certain conditions" are very similar. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired tone. "Terms" might imply a more formal agreement.