provided that they

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provided that they" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when expressing a condition or stipulation, meaning something will occur only if a certain circumstance is fulfilled. For example: "The students will be allowed to take the final exam early, provided that they complete all of the assigned coursework beforehand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't mind people being rude, provided that they are not uncouth with it.

The Guardian

She started to answer that she did, provided that they were properly housebroken.

The New York Times - Science

Such claims are perfectly legal, provided that they are backed up by some credible science.

The New York Times

This includes non-physical resources such as download services and ebooks, provided that they are sold to a private individual.

The Guardian

The Baroque style gave architects liberty to pursue infinite formal variations, provided that they ultimately submitted to Classicism.

The New York Times - Arts

It is open to Filipino-born club members, provided that they have been married at least once.

The New Yorker

REITs benefit from a tax subsidy, provided that they pass on all of their real estate income to shareholders.

The New York Times

Exchange-traded funds may also become a preferred alternative, provided that they are traded through a deep-discount brokerage firm.

The New York Times

They are perfectly entitled to do this, provided that they adhere to the terms of open-source licensing.

The Guardian - Tech

Both permitted five religions — Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, Catholicism and Protestantism — provided that they submitted to strict state supervision.

The New York Times - Books

On the question of ethics, I'm defiantly tolerant of unethical novels, provided that they are of a higher order aesthetically.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provided that they", ensure the condition is clearly stated and directly relevant to the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "provided that they" with unclear or ambiguous conditions. Always specify exactly what 'they' need to do or be for the condition to be met.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provided that they" functions as a conditional conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that specifies a condition upon which the main clause depends. Ludwig AI confirms this use with numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provided that they" is a versatile and commonly used conditional conjunction that sets a clear stipulation for an event or action to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in formal writing contexts like News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure the condition is clearly articulated and directly relevant to the intended outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the condition that they

Replaces 'provided' with 'on the condition', emphasizing a firm requirement.

assuming that they

Uses 'assuming' instead of 'provided', suggesting a presupposition.

if they

A more concise and direct way to introduce the condition.

as long as they

Emphasizes the duration or continuation of the condition.

so long as they

Synonymous with 'as long as they', focusing on the duration of the condition.

given that they

Highlights the condition as a known or established fact.

subject to them

This indicates that something is conditional on their action or status.

contingent on them

This indicates that something depends on their action or status.

only if they

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the condition.

conditional on the fact that they

Makes explicit that the condition is grounded in a fact.

FAQs

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

Use "provided that they" to introduce a condition that must be met for something else to happen. For example, "The team can proceed to the next round, provided that they win this game".

What's a simpler alternative to "provided that they"?

You could use "if they" as a more direct alternative. For example, instead of "You can attend, provided that they register in advance", you can say "You can attend, if they register in advance".

Is there a difference between "provided that they" and "as long as they"?

While similar, "provided that they" emphasizes a condition that needs to be fulfilled, while "as long as they" often implies a duration or continuation of a condition over time. Both express conditions, but the nuance differs.

Can "provided that they" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "provided that they" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that the condition is clearly and precisely stated. In some contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "on the condition that they" for enhanced formality.