provided that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provided that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a condition that must be met for something to happen or be true. Example: "You can borrow my car, provided that you return it by 6 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I provided that".

The New Yorker

Teaching certainly provided that challenge.

Independent

So Sjon provided that".

The New York Times

Neal provided that".

The New York Times

"By provoking Israel, Hezbollah provided that opportunity".

The New Yorker

Certainly those two boys provided that spark".

Independent

Ban has certainly provided that cure.

The New York Times

Perhaps the politician provided that instead.

The New York Times - Sports

The game provided that moment.

The Guardian - Sport

1129, which provided that Pub.

Cornell University

(D), which provided that subsec.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provided that" in legal or technical contexts, ensure the condition is unambiguous and easily verifiable to avoid potential disputes.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining what the condition applies to. Ensure it's obvious which part of the sentence or argument is contingent on the condition stated after "provided that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provided that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a conditional clause. This clause specifies a condition that must be satisfied for the main clause to be true or valid. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard usage, reflected in examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provided that" functions as a conditional connector, introducing a condition for a statement to be valid. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in science, news, and academic writing, its register ranges from neutral to formal. When writing with "provided that", remember to clearly define the condition's scope to avoid ambiguity. For alternative phrasing, consider "as long as" or "on the condition that". These related phrases may be more appropriate depending on the context or desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the condition that

Emphasizes a specific requirement or stipulation for something to occur.

as long as

Indicates a duration or continuation dependent on a specific condition being satisfied.

assuming that

Introduces a hypothesis or assumption upon which a conclusion or action is based.

given that

Highlights a pre-existing fact or condition that influences a subsequent statement.

subject to the condition that

Formally expresses that something is contingent upon meeting a specific requirement.

if and only if

Specifies a biconditional relationship where the condition is both necessary and sufficient.

in the event that

Focuses on a potential circumstance or occurrence that triggers a particular outcome.

contingent upon

Highlights that something is dependent on another factor or event happening.

with the understanding that

Implies a mutual agreement or expectation regarding a specific condition.

only if

Emphasizes that a particular outcome can happen solely when a condition is met.

FAQs

How can I use "provided that" in a sentence?

The phrase "provided that" introduces a condition. For example, "You can borrow my book, "provided that" you return it next week."

What are some alternatives to "provided that"?

Alternatives include "as long as", "on the condition that", or "assuming that" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "provided that" and "if"?

While both introduce conditions, "provided that" often implies a more formal or explicit stipulation compared to the general conditional "if".

Can I use "provided that" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "provided that" can start a sentence, but ensure the sentence structure remains clear and logical. For example, "Provided that all requirements are met, the project will proceed."