precondition to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precondition to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a requirement or condition that must be met before something else can occur. Example: "Having a valid driver's license is a precondition to being eligible for the job of a delivery driver."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But dialogue is a precondition to understanding.

The New York Times - Arts

Doubt is a necessary precondition to meaningful action.

The New Yorker

"Ending capital punishment should not be a precondition to enter the European Union.

The New York Times

There was a precondition to our joining their table: they weren't interested in talking about violence.

The New Yorker

The official ending of the Ba'ath party's monopoly on power is a precondition to democratisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is an essential precondition to getting out of the crisis".

The New York Times

Blair felt, perhaps rightly, that having a supportive media was a precondition to electoral success.

Independent

And second, that resolution of the Kashmir dispute is no longer a precondition to better relations.

The Economist

"It cannot be a precondition to enter into that agreement," he said.

The New York Times

One League precondition to taking part in the election is the release of all political prisoners.

The Economist

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are the precondition to the activities that led to their injuries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precondition to", ensure that the relationship between the condition and the outcome is clear. State explicitly what depends on the precondition being met.

Common error

Avoid mistaking a mere preference or helpful factor for a true "precondition to". A "precondition to" is absolutely necessary, not just beneficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precondition to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying a necessary requirement or condition. As Ludwig shows, it connects an action, state, or object to its essential prerequisite.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precondition to" is a frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a necessary requirement for something else to occur. As Ludwig's analysis and examples show, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business writing. Remember to use it when you want to clearly establish a dependency between two elements. While there are alternatives, like "requirement for" and "prerequisite for", ensure that you avoid mistaking preferences for true preconditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Requirement for

Replaces "precondition" with a more straightforward term, focusing on the necessity of the condition.

Prerequisite for

Synonymous with "precondition", emphasizing that it must be satisfied beforehand.

Essential for

Highlights the critical importance of the condition for achieving a specific outcome.

Necessary condition for

More explicitly states the dependency, making it clear that the condition must be met.

Fundamental to

Emphasizes that the condition is foundational and integral to the existence or success of something.

Basis for

Indicates that the condition forms the groundwork or foundation upon which something else is built.

Indispensable for

Stresses that something is absolutely essential or necessary and cannot be done without.

Mandatory for

Implies that something is required by law or rules.

A must for

A more informal way of saying something is essential or required.

Preliminary to

Highlights that the event or action precedes and prepares the way for a subsequent event or action.

FAQs

What does "precondition to" mean?

The phrase "precondition to" indicates something that must happen or exist before something else can occur. It is a necessary requirement.

How can I use "precondition to" in a sentence?

You can use "precondition to" to show that one thing is dependent on another. For instance: "Dialogue is a "precondition to" understanding."

What are some alternatives to "precondition to"?

Alternatives include "requirement for", "prerequisite for", or "essential for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "precondition to" or "prerequisite for"?

Both "precondition to" and "prerequisite for" are very similar. "Precondition to" might emphasize a condition more strongly than a prerequisite, but in most cases, they are interchangeable.