precondition for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precondition for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate a requirement that must be met before something else can happen. For example, "Successful completion of the course is a precondition for graduation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So the modern period is a precondition for these policies.

The New York Times - Arts

Lorne Greene — a historical precondition for Leslie Nielsen — was Canadian.

The New York Times

Some countries made industrial investments a precondition for resource deals.

The Economist

He viewed agricultural development as a precondition for industrialization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Today, security — the ultimate precondition for everything — prevails.

The New York Times

"In fact, it is a precondition for understanding, reconciliation and cooperation".

The Guardian

We must recognise that freedom of movement is a precondition for freedom of anything else.

The Guardian

Virtuosity is a precondition for pianists, but in addition you have to be good.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a precondition for mobilizing the economy and achieving sustainable growth.

The New York Times

This is the precondition for setting such a cooperation into motion.

The Guardian - Business

The advocates of this trade deal tell us that prosperity is a precondition for democracy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precondition for", ensure that the relationship between the precondition and the outcome is clear and logically sound. Clearly state what must be in place before the subsequent event or state can occur.

Common error

Avoid using "precondition for" when you mean a contributing factor or influence. A precondition is absolutely necessary, while a contributing factor simply makes something more likely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precondition for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a necessary condition or prerequisite. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precondition for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates a necessary requirement for something else to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used in a variety of contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and formal business settings, "precondition for" serves to establish clear prerequisites and set expectations. When using this phrase, ensure that the relationship between the precondition and the subsequent outcome is logically sound, and avoid confusing it with contributing factors. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "precondition for" to enhance the clarity and precision of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prerequisite for

Synonymous with "precondition for", indicating something required before something else can happen.

necessary condition for

A more formal way to express the same meaning as "precondition for".

requirement for

Indicates a need or essential condition, similar to a "precondition for".

essential for

Highlights the necessity of something, emphasizing its crucial role.

indispensable for

Emphasizes that something is absolutely essential and cannot be done without.

critical for

Indicates high importance, emphasizing that something is vital.

fundamental to

Highlights the foundational importance of something.

basis for

Suggests that something forms the underlying foundation or starting point.

cornerstone of

Indicates that something is a key element on which everything else depends.

hinges on

Emphasizes that the outcome of something depends entirely on something else.

FAQs

How to use "precondition for" in a sentence?

Use "precondition for" to indicate something that must happen or exist before something else can. For example, "A stable economy is a "precondition for" foreign investment."

What can I say instead of "precondition for"?

You can use alternatives such as "requirement for", "prerequisite for", or "essential for" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "condition for" instead of "precondition for"?

While "condition for" is grammatically correct, "precondition for" implies that the condition must be met before something else can occur. "Condition for" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply a temporal sequence.

What is the difference between "precondition for" and "reason for"?

"Precondition for" indicates a necessary requirement, whereas "reason for" explains the cause or justification for something. A "precondition for" something must be in place for it to happen, while the "reason for" something explains why it happened.