on condition that

USAGE SUMMARY

'on condition that' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce a clause that states something that must happen or be true in order for something else to happen or be true. Example: I will accept the offer, on condition that the salary meets my expectations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They spoke candidly on condition that they not be identified.

The New York Times

They spoke on condition that they not be identified.

The New York Times

He was not charged, on condition that he repay the shopkeeper he cheated.

Princeton University

In September, the UK promised £1bn over three years on condition that other donors step up.

The Guardian

(He spoke on condition that his current employer not be identified).

The New York Times

They will only be released on condition that Pansy marry Milwood.

The New Yorker

Here, Mr Gumpy invites the animals onto his boat on condition that they behave.

The Guardian

Several spoke with reporters on condition that they not be named.

The New York Times

The Montenegrin government reluctantly assented to the union on condition that yesterday's referendum would be held.

The Guardian

A local government official granted the purchase on condition that Chengdu won promotion, Li said.

The Guardian

Men were permitted, but only on condition that they assuage their male guilt through housework.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on condition that", ensure the condition is clearly stated and directly relevant to the outcome. Avoid ambiguity by placing the condition as close as possible to the action or event it modifies.

Common error

Avoid separating the condition from the main clause with lengthy or confusing phrases. A clear and concise statement of the condition ensures the sentence's meaning is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on condition that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a conditional clause. According to Ludwig AI, this indicates something must be true or happen for another event to occur. It establishes a dependency between two clauses, where the action in the main clause is contingent upon fulfilling the condition stated in the subordinate clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on condition that" is a versatile phrase used to express a requirement or stipulation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. This phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and academic writing and it can be effectively used in business. To ensure clarity, place the condition close to the action it modifies. Alternatives like ""provided that"" and ""only if"" offer similar meanings with slight differences in formality and emphasis. Remember to avoid separating the conditional phrase from its main clause, as doing so could hinder clarity. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently incorporate "on condition that" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided that

A more concise and common synonym, often used interchangeably with "on condition that".

only if

A direct and simple way to state that something can happen exclusively when a certain condition is met.

conditional on

Highlights the dependency of an outcome on a specific condition, suggesting an agreement.

subject to the provision that

More formal and legalistic, emphasizing a specific clause or requirement.

as long as

Emphasizes the duration of the condition; something is true or allowed while the condition persists.

contingent upon

Highlights the dependence of one event on another, acting as a key condition.

with the understanding that

Implies a mutual agreement or expectation regarding the condition.

if and only if

Expresses a strict equivalence; the condition is both necessary and sufficient.

given that

Focuses on the acceptance of a specific premise as the basis for a subsequent action or conclusion.

assuming that

Presents the condition as a hypothetical scenario upon which the outcome depends.

FAQs

How can I use "on condition that" in a sentence?

Use "on condition that" to introduce a requirement or stipulation that must be met for something else to occur. For example, "I will sign the contract "on condition that" the payment terms are revised."

What phrases are similar to "on condition that"?

Alternatives include "provided that", "only if", or "as long as", which all introduce a requirement for something to happen.

Is it more formal to say "on condition that" or "provided that"?

"On condition that" and "provided that" are generally interchangeable, but "on condition that" might be perceived as slightly more formal, especially in legal or official contexts.

Can "on condition that" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "on condition that" can start a sentence, but ensure the main clause follows directly after to maintain clarity. For example, "On condition that all parties agree, the merger will proceed."